Hirsch, Akiva (Wilhelm)

Son of Matilda and August, was born on August 11, 1914 in Germany and received a high school education. In 1935 he decided to prepare himself for immigration to Israel, joined a pioneering movement and underwent a training period in Luxembourg. Akiva immigrated to Israel in September 1936 with a large group of friends from the Luxembourg training. He joined the “Ha-Kovesh” camp in Kfar Saba and immediately began to work in the dairy industry. In this industry he continued to work even when the “occupier” organized Kibbutz Ramat Hakovesh and was one of those responsible for working in the cowshed. He had had many crises, but he always knew how to overcome them and make his way. Akiva was a patient with his apprentices and a responsible commander, and he did exactly what he was asked to do quietly and without nervousness: He was a sergeant in Ramat Hakovesh, and in 1946 he went on a mission to Belgium and stayed there for a year and a quarter. In the months of the War of Independence and the danger of shelling the agriculture, he invested all his energy, along with his friends In the wanderings with the herd, he did not know any account of working hours and worked from morning to night, In those days, the second son was born and strengthened his longing to relive a settled life.”His young son he was able to see only once, in the Brit Mila, and for only a few moments between positions. (29.7.1948), he was the head of the Palam group of young immigrants headed for the outpost in northern Ramat Hakovesh. A face-to-face battle developed and Akiva proved his courage as commander and soldier. He was found dead in the position with his hand squeezing the trigger, and “one of the best was stolen from the farm.” Was brought to rest at the cemetery in Ramat Hakovesh. He left behind a wife and two children.