Goren, Yisrael

Son of Ziona and Eliezer Wizkowitz, he was born on May 30, 1954 in Mazkeret Batya, where he studied at the Katznelson Elementary School in Holon and at the ORT vocational school in Holon. On February 5, 1973, he enlisted in the IDF and served in the infantry. He took a commanding officer course, and in November 1973 he was promoted to corporal. In 1974 he moved to serve in the IAF and rose to the rank of sergeant. Yisrael continued to study in the IDF even after completing his regular service, and in September 1978 he took a reconnaissance course, and at the outbreak of the war, he was called up to serve in the reserves in Lebanon. On 25 Kislev, 11.11.1982, a building in Tyre collapsed from a gas explosion. He died in the collapse. “We loved him, we knew some of his virtues, and we continue to talk about him as if he were living among us, as if he would come back and plan for trips, meetings, tricks and jokes.” His direct commander wrote to his family: “Yisrael was a wonderful person, pleasant to sit with, talk and laugh. He was a special soldier who aroused trust in his commanders. I remember the infiltration of the terrorist into Eilat – when in the midst of the uproar of persecution Yisrael arrived and in a swift and smooth action solved the problem.” He was laid to rest at the military cemetery in Holon, where he was promoted to the rank of sergeant after his death. Survived by his wife Rina, daughter, parents and two sisters,