Gutman, Israel (“Gutzi”)

Son of Samuel and Leah. He was born on June 30, 1945 in the Maagan group. Israel did not grow up in the group because his parents left her. He studied in elementary schools around Haifa. In all of them he was an outstanding and serious student. He loved nature, the flowers, the trees, the birds, and especially the Negev. After graduating from elementary school, he studied at the Biram Military Academy in Haifa, near the Reali School in Haifa, where his mother was sorry for his military leanings and thought he had to devote himself to school, but he explained to her: “Mom, I feel that I am doing something besides studying “He always wanted to give more than what was required of him, and after graduating from high school, his parents returned to the group and were accepted as members, and was drafted into the IDF in September 1963 and assigned to the Armored Corps. He did not like army life, but he said, “They need me,” and continued to serve in the army when he was a lieutenant. In the meantime he married and raised a family. At the end of February 1966 he joined the career army, due to his commitment to the military academy. After five years of service he was discharged from the army and returned to the group. Israel sat in the house for about a year and a half, and during the War of Attrition, when the Minister of Defense called for volunteers, he decided to return to the army, because he felt that this was the place he needed at the time. His mother asked him how he would leave a wife and two little children. He replied: “If I want them to live, I have to go.” His conscience did not let him sit at home and he went out to defend the homeland. With a clear mind and clear decision he did so and was at peace with himself. In his letters he wrote soothing things, because he was a good and loving son, and told them that everything was quiet and peaceful and asked his parents not to worry, because “nothing will happen to me. He was an excellent officer and a brave fighter. On May 19, 1950, he fell in the area of ​​the Suez Canal by shelling the enemy. He left a wife, a young daughter and son. He was laid to rest in the cemetery at Kibbutz Ma’agan. His commander wrote a letter of condolence to the family, after they fell, and said, “The IDF and the armored corps bow their flag in memory of the brave company commander who fell in battle for securing our border with Egypt. The shock is unbearable and there is no word in my mouth to console the mourners. Again we witness the fact that the fallen are the ones who head. True, Gozzi, you were like this: By volunteering for the career army to take part in the campaign that is taking place today. You knew in advance about the dangers involved, but nevertheless volunteered to serve where the contribution was greatest. During this period you wanted to do a lot, and indeed your achievements were excellent: a) building an excellent company, which serves as an example for all the companies in the brigade; B) You liked your officers and commanders. (C) You have demonstrated agility and personal courage in all of our joint activities; 4) You have created confidence and willingness to follow you without question. These things, grotesque, are a major milestone in your achievement in this short period. We will never forget you and your actions will serve as an example for the continued education of the unit’s soldiers. “His family published a booklet in his memory entitled” Srulik “.