Elon, Mark (Jay)

Ben Lucille and Glenn. He was born on September 24, 1967 in Cape Town, South Africa. The eldest son of his parents. In August 1968, before the age of eleven, he immigrated with his family to Israel. The family settled in Moshav Talmei Yosef and Mark began his studies in Israel at the Avshalom Elementary School in the Yamit region. Afterward he continued to study at the Eshel Hanasi School in Mishmar Hanegev and completed his studies at the Kfar Silver High School after moving with his family to Moshav Netiv Ha’asara with the evacuation of Sinai. Mark was a smiling, pleasant boy, who diligently learned the language and quickly integrated into Israeli society. From an early age he developed an affinity for an agricultural way of life and the sense of freedom involved. While he was on a farm with his uncles in South Africa, he was associated with the open fields, the open-air activities, the farm animals, and even the agricultural work of physical exertion, which he enjoyed very much. All of this accompanied him in his later years. His responsible nature and his willingness to come to the aid of others and his natural inclination to protect and protect young and weak people were prominent elements of his pleasant personality. After the family immigrated to Israel, he helped his parents with farm work and was a sensitive and considerate son. He was a member of the youth movement of the moshavim and his hobby in the field of sports focused on tennis and swimming, the industries he liked most, and he achieved considerable achievements and won certificates and medals. Mark was drafted into the army in August 1986 and assigned to serve in the Artillery Corps, where he completed a course for commanders and a course for team commanders, which he graduated with honors. During his service he served in the Golan Heights, underwent training in the Negev and served in Judea and Samaria in activities against the Intifada. While on duty in Qalqiliya he was attacked by three Arabs and, in dealing with them, was injured in the head but managed to escape and save his life. After recovering from the injury, he was chosen to go to the United States for talks on behalf of the Artillery Corps. The journey involved uncertainty and willingness to extend service. Mark agreed to undertake the task, which was part of an experiment to improve the moving cannon. As a result, in August 1989, after his discharge from regular service, he was drafted into a career service with the rank of sergeant. Staff Sergeant Mark Eilon fell during his duty on 8 November 1989 while performing a mission on behalf of the Artillery Corps at the base of experiments at the Buma in Arizona, USA, and was the first space to be buried in the military section of the cemetery Enrichment Path. Lay down parents and two brothers. In the family’s memory booklet, in the letters of his relatives and friends, and in the words of his full commanders, he is described as a person with particularly warm ties with his family. Understanding and tolerance also characterize his relationship to his friends, who have received support and encouragement. As a commander, he was a beloved figure and his presence made everyone feel there was someone to trust. He is considered an excellent team leader, who speaks little but does a lot of things and manages to solve problems that no one else can do. In a letter of condolence to the bereaved family, the battalion commander wrote about his professional and commanding level. Letters of condolence were also received from the US base commander and the US ambassador to Israel. Articles about his downfall appeared in the press of the period in Israel and in the United States. The US Army erected a monument at the base where he fell, in memory of his friend Nahum Golan, who was killed with him.