Handali, Yigal

Son of Haim and Esther. Born on September 21, 1948 in Tel Aviv to a large family of Yemenite-born children. He studied at the Horev Elementary School in Yad Eliyahu. Afterward, he studied for three years at the Torah and Crafts Montefiore School in the framework of mechanical frameworks. He was involved in soccer sports and was a member of Bnei Yehuda, Tel Aviv and Ohada. He loved to spend time, but never neglected his family duties. He was especially concerned about his grandmother and the grandmother’s mother, who had lived long. There was an eternal smile on his face. He took life easily, and thanks to that he knew how to buy many friends. And indeed his wish was to be with many friends. He loved a girl, but he did not have time to make permanent contact with her. In May 1966 Yigal was drafted into the army. At first he served in the Infantry, and later was transferred to the Armored Corps. He underwent a sappers’ course and a squadron commander’s course, followed by a corporal. Participated in the Six-Day War. In March 1969, Yigal was released from regular service, and the certificate of release was written: “He did his duty well, a disciplined soldier.” He began to work independently, as a gardener, and in this occupation he also acquired many friends. He did periods of active reserve service. With the outbreak of the Yom Kippur War, he quickly left the synagogue, stationed himself in his unit, and was sent to fight in the north. On the 17th of Tevet 5736 (17.12.1975) he fell in active reserve duty. He was 27 when he fell. He was laid to rest in the military cemetery in Kiryat Shaul. Survived by his parents, six brothers and two sisters. In a letter to the bereaved parents, his commander wrote: “Yigal served in the unit for about a year and a half and was a devoted and loyal soldier for his position, friendly and sympathetic to his comrades.” Yigal’s memory was commemorated on a memorial plaque at the Mishkan Shimon Yeshiva in Bnei Brak.