Farchi, Chaim

Chaim, son of Esther and Jacob, grandson of Chaim Aharon Farhi, who was president of the World Zionist Organization in Bulgaria, was born on 30.7.1949 in Tel Aviv. He studied at the Tel Nordoi Elementary School, and then continued his studies at the Ironi Hey High School in Tel Aviv in a biological track and graduated with honors. Chaim (who was called by his family “Haimke” and in the army “Farhi”) was a very handsome boy and everyone admired his beauty. Yet he was very shy, and only when he got a bit older, he began to be more free in society. In his class in elementary school he was an outstanding student and his teachers praised his wisdom and his great grasp. He was also an excellent student in high school, especially in the real professions. He was also very active in the social life of the school. Haim loved soccer very much, and since elementary school he spent a few hours playing every Friday afternoon. He also loved reading books of all kinds. Haim was encouraging and reassuring his friends during difficult times and was always willing to help anyone. He was sensitive and deeply understanding, full of joy and always cheerful. At parties he was the living spirit and arranged meetings between friends. He had a great organizational ability and always volunteered where a hand was needed. He had a sense of responsibility and everything he did, he did with great devotion. He was very attached to his parents, and especially to his mother. Their relationship was based on boundless love and understanding. He was a very devoted brother to his sister and stood beside her during difficult times, and was also a wonderful uncle for her daughters. Haim was drafted into the IDF at the end of October 1967, and was assigned to the medical corps within the framework of the academic reserve, and his regular service was postponed until he finished his pharmacy studies at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. He was also the best student in his class and was active in public affairs. He completed his bachelor’s degree and was awarded a bachelor’s degree in pharmacy, but did not finish his master’s. At the graduation ceremony Chaim was given the final speech and he uttered things that were full of humor, kindness and wisdom. His teacher had predicted great success in the future. At the beginning of 1973, Haim married his girlfriend, whom he met at the pharmacy school when he was her instructor in laboratory classes. His wife later said that he would never forget the supreme happiness he had given her during their short marriage. He was called for periods of service within the framework of the reserve, and after basic training and training in departmental medics, his position was determined as a combat medic. When he completed his studies as a pharmacist, he was assigned to the headquarters of a chief medical officer. After completing a course for medical corps officers, he was granted the rank of officer and was stationed at Refidim, as a pharmacist responsible for the drug store. When the Yom Kippur War broke out, Haim fulfilled his role in Rephidim. According to his subordinates at the Rafidim Medical Center, his cheerfulness did not cease even during the difficult times of the war, and he was exemplary as a friend and commander. On October 8, 1973, Egyptian planes bombed Refidim. Chaim took care of the evacuation of his subordinates from the drug store and left the site only after no one was left. A delay bomb, which fell on the shed, exploded before he managed to get away, hit by shrapnel and was killed. He was laid to rest in the military cemetery in Kiryat Shaul. Survived by a wife, parents and sister. After his fall, he was promoted to lieutenant. In a letter of condolence to the bereaved family, the commander of the unit wrote: “Haim was fond of both his commanders and his soldiers. A club was established in his memory In Rephidim, where he served.