Faraj, Ovadia

Ben Rachel and Baruch. Ovadia was born in Cairo, Egypt on October 31, 1948. In 1950 he immigrated to Israel on a ship with his parents and brother, and they lived in a transit camp in Ramle. Ovadia studied in the “Hashomer” government school until eighth grade. During this period, his father died, forcing him to start working alongside his studies. Ovadia joined the Border Police in 1965 at the age of seventeen. During his army service, he fought in all of Israel’s wars, including: the Six Day War, Yom Kippur and Peace for the Galilee. During the wars he was wounded twice, but this did not prevent him from fighting again with his friends. In 1968, Ovadia completed his regular service in the Border Police and began working for Solel Boneh in Sharm el-Sheikh. During this period he met Esther Yefet, who lived next door to him, and in 1969 they married. The couple decided to build their home in Ramle. In 1971 their son Baruch was born. Two years later David was born and in 1978 his third son, Ilan, was born. A few years later the daughter, Inbal, was born. Throughout his life, Ovadia educated his children to love their homeland. As a result of his love for his country, Ovadia decided in 1983 to enlist again in the border police for permanent service. He served in a number of places, including Nablus and Jenin. Despite his injury and the risk of service, he never gave up his job. After fifteen years in the Border Police service, Ovadia moved to the Blue Police and served in the Execution Office. During his service he successfully completed his studies. In 1998, Ovadia became ill and began to receive seizures that caused him to lose consciousness for a while, seizures that appeared frequently and without any preliminary signs. Despite the attacks he received, he continued his work as usual and did not let his illness interfere with his routine. On December 15, 2003, during his discharge leave, Ovadia suffered a fatal heart attack and was without oxygen for half an hour, causing him great damage. The doctors left little hope and said it was a matter of a day or two, but Ovadia, who was known for his stubbornness, fought for his life for five weeks. On the 19th of Tevet 5764 (January 19, 2004) Ovadia died in the afternoon. Senior sergeant Obadiah was fifty-six years old when he died. He was buried in the Ramle cemetery. Survived by a woman, three sons and a daughter. The family members wrote: “Ovadah will remain in the heart of his family and his friends forever because of his goodness and modesty, his soul will be in the bundle of life.