Elkayam, Abraham (‘Avi’)

Son of Amram and Rachel. Born on February 20, 1958 in Yavneh to a well-to-do family, he completed his elementary studies at the Bialik elementary school in Yavneh and entered the vocational high school in the Nitzanim youth village near Ashkelon He chose the marine trend and was trained in naval mechanics, and was a long time in the army, and he had long dreamed of boarding a ship and sailing far away. For more than two years Avi had learned his favorite profession, and then he was a victim of a road accident, his right leg was injured, and he was hospitalized In the wake of the recovery period, Avi began to work as an apprentice and as a worker at Nahal Sorek in Yavneh, enabling him not to be a financial burden on his parents and to provide his desire to be as independent as possible He had a resolute character, knew how to stand up for himself, and struggled with what he thought was an injustice to him, but he never raised his voice to his father or his brother, and he was a member of the Hanoar Haoved Vehalomed movement. As part of the Gadna. He was a member of Hapoel in Yavneh, worked in the wrestling industry and won various competitions. Was crowned with titles in the struggle for the Youth Championship in wrestling in 1974. He built himself various devices for bodybuilding. At times he even wrote lists and stories about sports. He also volunteered for various campaigns within the framework of various public associations and institutions. As the date of his induction approached, Avi prepared for what he thought was his destiny – the navy. Engaged in races to overcome the limitations of the injured leg. Learn material from hand to hand, about sea and vessels. Then came the bitter disappointment. The IDF institutions did not see his data suitable for service in the navy and assigned him to the Golani infantry, and Avi saw this decision as an arbitrary move and rebelled against it with all his soul, but he had no choice but to obey and stand in the place sent to him. But the dream of his life did not let go, and the rigid framework and the high physical demands also did not suit his physical and mental condition, and he tried to act for his immediate transfer to the navy, and indeed he was promised, and steps were also taken in this direction, His trust in the officers who dealt with it, and on the 3 rd of Av 5736 (30.7.1976) he fell in the line of duty. He was brought to eternal rest in Yavneh. Survived by his parents, four brothers and two sisters. His father’s words in his memory: “Your image, Avi, will not be forgotten forever: day and night our eyes weeping, a sea of ​​tears flowed over your soft and fresh grave, a bouquet of flowers lying there as a memento.