Engelberg, Miriam (Maria)

Daughter of Spira and Jacob. She was born on May 13, 1942, in Argentina. Maria studied in her hometown and completed her PhD in dentistry at the University of Cordoba. She married Santiago and in 1978 immigrated with her family to Israel. As a new immigrant who had reached the age of enlistment, she was not drafted for compulsory military service in the IDF, but in January 1979, Maria volunteered for reserve service in the Herut and continued her regular army service as a dentist in the surgical department. Her colleagues in the department testified that she was devoted to her work and very kind. She was well integrated into the department of surgery and showed good ability in her treatment. Its commanders gave it the “Peace of the Galilee” sign. In 1981 Maria became ill and struggled for six years with her illness, which finally overcame her. On the 24th of Iyar 5747 (23.5.1987), Major Maria Engelberg died and was laid to rest in the military cemetery in Kiryat Shaul, leaving a husband, two daughters – Deborah, Naomi, son of Yoav, sister Clara and three Brothers – Carlos, Victor and David In a letter of condolence to the bereaved family, the unit commander wrote: “More than anything else, Maria symbolized the Jew who returned to the homeland with joy and the love of his country, truly and honestly. Many of us could learn from it a love of the homeland, despite the real and many difficulties of that period. Another unforgettable theme in her personality, her love of the human being, and especially the extraordinary care of caring for a person in need of medical help, and that was a symbol and an example. I think it’s hard to forget her laughter and the joy of life she radiated and surrounded, and even in times when we shed tears in secret in light of her condition. “