Fadida, Mas’ud

He was born in 1962 in Morocco and was the fourth son of his family, and his family settled in Ma’alot and had another son and daughters, and Masoud grew up in a large family and was educated to love people and love Israel. He studied at Arazim School in Ma’alot, devoted himself to various sports, practiced running and played soccer, and after graduating from elementary school moved to Ma’alot High School. In November 1979, at the age of 17 he enlisted and served in the Armored Corps. He took a load-training course. In July 1980, he was promoted to the rank of corporal and was promoted to the rank of sergeant in January 1982. His commanders appointed him as a professional soldier who contributed greatly to the social consolidation of his unit, On 15 Av. August 4, 1982, a heavy Syrian bombardment of his unit began, Mas’ud tried to get out of his tank to rescue casualties, but was himself wounded and killed. He was buried at the military section of Ma’alot cemetery. He left four brothers and five sisters, and Defense Minister Ariel Sharon wrote in a letter of condolence to his family: “Sergeant Massoud Fadida gave his life for his homeland. He was a professional soldier and an outstanding athlete.” The commander of his unit wrote to his family:” Mas’ud served in a combat unit that was actually on the front line during his entire service. His unit culminated in the Peace for Galilee War, during which he led the forces throughout the fighting. Masoud and his comrades in the company were the first tanks to cross the border at the beginning of the fighting and were the first to arrive in Beirut. In doing so, they gave you, dear family, peace. I want you to be proud of your son, who fought in such a wonderful way, thanks to the education you gave him.” In his memory, a Torah library was established in the synagogue in Maalot,