Eliyahu, Nissan

Son of Irit and Zakai, was born on 21.9.1961 in Afula. As a child, his family was seriously distressed, and she was forced to leave Afula and move to Petah Tikva. Nissan tried from childhood to help his family. He completed seven grades of elementary school and went to work at odd jobs, sometimes in the vegetable market and sometimes with diamond polishing. Even before he turned 18, Nissan turned to the IDF and asked to be drafted into the pre-compulsory course as a tank driver, and in August 1979 Nissan enlisted in the IDF and went on to basic training. But because of the special circumstances of his family they allowed him to serve close to his home. In September 1979, Nissan practiced with his unit and set out on foot in the Negev, from Nitzanim to the Yoav Fortress. On September 14, 1979, Nissan collapsed during the journey and lost consciousness. He was rushed to the clinic of his unit, but his consciousness never returned. He died, and according to the doctors’ opinion he died of weakness and heat stroke. He was 18 when he died. Nissan was laid to rest at the military cemetery in Petah Tikva. He left behind his parents and two sisters. The commander of his unit wrote to his family: “We met Nissan for a short period of time, but during this period we learned to know him and to know him as a dedicated soldier. In his memory, a Torah scroll was donated to the synagogue in Afula Illit, where he used to pray as a child.