Son of Miriam and Moshe. He was born on the 26th of Sivan 5761 (26.6.1981) in Israel. A fourth child to his parents, brother to Oshrat, Yitzhak, Boaz, Elad, Dorit and David. A beautiful boy with flowing gold hair and blue eyes, big and very, very cheerful. Until the age of two he grew up in Kfar Achim, and then the family moved to Neve Dekalim in Gush Katif, which was still under construction. “Without electricity, running water, paths or roads,” says the parents, “Elkana ran barefoot in the golden sands of his hair and connected to the place through his bare feet … The more Neve Dekalim grew, the stronger the child experienced all the stages of the development of the place.” Elkana was a lively child, always running around looking for employment for himself and always surrounded by many friends. Elkana began studying at their elementary school, “Naot Katif”, an outstanding student who did not like to get bored and if the material he learned repeated himself, did not hesitate to ask his teachers to provide him with new challenges, which would require effort. After eight years of study and many certificates of excellence, he studied four years of high school in the Sha’alvim yeshiva. In eleventh grade he chose the biological track, and in the hives industry as a field of specialization, he loved the field and invested in it for many hours. Forming the cycle, preparing original activities and operations was his main concern all the years, and in the book he published at the end of his studies they wrote that “the honor of the cycle flows through his veins.” “I do not remember him ever entering the classroom without a smile,” said Steve, one of Elkana’s teachers at the Shalavim: “He was one of those special people whose very being makes others feel good, his presence and the halo that radiated around him were real. He was present at a lesson or not, because his energy was felt by everyone, and his good qualities, his sense of humor, were especially impressive. ” Elkana’s hand was in everything, his father’s right hand was for all intents and purposes, a whitewash, a shelf there, quick fixes, and everything was quiet and with amazing precision, which was his personal mark on everything that touched him. He loved to read everything he could, without missing a written word. As a child, Elkana spent several years studying accordion. At a later age he began playing basketball, and was one of the most prominent basketball players in his community. He also received a certificate of appreciation for his great contribution to the group. During his studies, Elkana was an apprentice and later a counselor in the Bnei Akiva movement in the Amitzur tribe in Neve Dekalim. “For two and a half years you have given us all of yourself,” his apprentices said, “your devotion, your virtues, your values, your love, all the important elements you have been trying to convey to us.” At the end of his high school studies, Elkana decided to continue on to the hesder yeshiva and chose a yeshiva in Sderot. Not only did he choose to study in a development town, he came to strengthen the place, and indeed, at the beginning of his studies, he became involved with the residents. Among other things, the connection was expressed in the purchases he made in the mornings, before school, for needy adults, or in the Irving settlement, which he was responsible for every Friday. In addition, together with a friend, Elkana set up the Gemach (Gemilut Chasadim) institution and went on his way. “Elkana loved the yeshiva, his studies and the good atmosphere in him, and was an active partner in the yeshiva building, In actual practice, and in the custom that he had, every morning after Shacharit, he would collect all the books in the Beit Midrash and arrange them in the library.In April 2001, after a year and a half at the yeshiva, Elkanah joined the IDF. He chose a combat route, and after training was stationed at the end of 2001 as a lookout officer in the Duvdevan unit in Judea and Samaria, as he wanted since he was assigned to the observation unit.Had spent all his strength and energy in the army, leaving a strong impression on everyone they met. He liked the activity in the operational company, and despite being a young soldier he quickly acquired the trust and affection of the commanders and soldiers. In the last period of his life, Elkana was at a crossroads – to go to a commanding course as recommended by his commanders, or to return to the yeshiva without delay at the end of the compulsory service. On the 26th of Adar 5762 (February 9, 2002) Elkana fell in battle with terrorists. After his death, Major General Doron Almog, the GOC Southern Command, was awarded a commendation for initiative, courage, determination and courage. “On Elkana’s vacation, while on the Kissufim road with his two brothers, he identified a terrorist who opened fire at civilian cars on the road. Elkana stopped his vehicle on the side of the road, grabbed a post and opened fire at the terrorist who had escaped. An alert force from the area, who noticed Elkana lying and shooting in civilian clothes, mistakenly thought of the terrorist and stabbed him to death. Elkana is an exemplary example of a soldier who is a fighter and a citizen alike, with responsibility, determination and courage, and tragically paid for it in his life. “Elkana was twenty-one years old at the time of his death. Elkana was laid to rest in the military section of the Neveh Dekalim cemetery. Survived by his parents, two sisters and four brothers. My father, Elkanah’s commander, eulogized him: “Elkanah was the salt of the earth – a charismatic, talented man, a man who was considerate but funny, smart, golden hearted – he was the best of all. As he left the world, Elkana left us a vast and infinite hole that would never be filled, but on the other hand, Elkanah commanded us his world view and his great influence on those around him. ” “Elkana Gobi,” do you know that we are proud to say that we were your educators? … We continue to teach in the school where you studied and do not forget for a moment your wonderful image – the smile, the shame, the wit and the wisdom. And Elkana, we learn from you: devotion, love of the Land of Israel to the point where it is, uncompromising fighting and heroism, closeness and boundless love … “Efraim, the principal of Elkana’s school, says:” Elkanah would love friends and bad guys, Elkana with his special humility, joy, love of evil and love of God – has already been close to God in his life. Character for the sanctification of God established his seat under the throne. ” “When you used to say, in the cycle, in the yeshiva and in the army, Gobi – everyone knew everything, it was a walking concept, not always resting, always always full of life and joy,” says Moshe, Elkana’s friend. We have known that when I get back in the field I will be fine, a sense of humor and a rolling laugh on the one hand, and on the other, a serious, deep man, full of ambitions, sets goals in life and conquers them one by one … Elkana, , Stand there your erect posture, with your red beret and deep gaze, and ask, plead and demand from the Holy One, blessed be He, that he will give us and the people of Israel the strength to move on bravely, to say enough to our troubles … ” His father’s plan: “Today there is a graduation ceremony for the officers’ course, and it is no coincidence that it is taking place on this anniversary day. I want to tell you, Elkanah, that Assaf and Shlomi, with whom you were supposed to take the officers’ course, are now given the rank of officer in the IDF and that with your commanders sitting here today I want to appoint you to an officer of higher rank, Here and with the people of Israel before the Master of the Universe, until the final redemption comes … “at the yeshiva in Sderot, where Elkan studiedA building was built to commemorate him. Members of the family published the book ‘Lechach Bei Bamidbar’, in memory of Elkana. In the Passover Haggada with the commentary of Minchat Asher, by Rabbi Asher Weiss, Torah articles on the Passover holiday, and memorials for Elkana from his various life stations. As a result of the “disengagement” process, Elkana was brought to the military cemetery on Mount Herzl for a second time on the 25th of Menachem Av – 5765 after he was uprooted from the dances of Gush Katif.
