Israel, Zion

Zion ben Yemima and Chaim. was born in Kiryat Shmona. When he was a young boy, the family moved to Bnei Brak and he attended the Maalot State Religious School in the city. After completing eight years of study, he continued his studies at the vocational high school in Bnei Brak and studied chemical mechanics. Zion was the second son of Chaim and Yemima, who immigrated to Israel from Yemen. He was a quiet boy and a devoted son to his parents. As a child, he was fond of his teachers at school and his classmates. Zion was known as a heart of gold and never refused to help a friend in trouble and advice. As a member of a traditional family, Zion was careful to observe the commandments. He used to pray three times a day – morning, afternoon and evening. He always placed his trust in Providence and fulfilled, in practice, and with great devotion, the commandments of the Torah. In particular, the boy was meticulous in observing the mitzvah of honoring a father and mother, helping his parents with household chores, helping his sisters in school, and even helping to bear the burden of earning a living. He grew up to the satisfaction of his parents and was an exemplary son, a responsible and faithful boy. on June 12, 1951. Zion was drafted into the IDF in mid-May 1969 and volunteered for the Armored Corps. After completing basic training, he worked for a time as a platoon commander in the Armored Corps unit and later completed his studies in a tank training course and was assigned as a tank gunner in the Armored Corps, he never complained of difficulties, and always had a smile on his face. When he came home for a short vacation, he encouraged his parents and helped them with their housework.
His comrades-in-arms and commanders in the armored corps testify that Zion was a good and devoted soldier. Everything he took upon himself was impeccable. During his service, he was promoted to the rank of corporal and was given the “Operational Service Award”. in 1972 finished his mandatory service in the IDF, after rejecting an offer to serve a one-year permanent service, because all he wanted was to acquire knowledge. In the morning, Zion learned mechanics at a vocational school in Tel Aviv, and in the evenings he drank thirstily the words of Rabbi Adani at Yeshivat Torah in Bnei Brak. In the glorious Slobodka yeshiva, too, Zion was not absent, since he wanted to combine practical life with study of Torah. Shortly before the Yom Kippur War broke out, he decided to marry a wife and set up a home in Israel. On Yom Kippur, after fasting and praying in the synagogue, Zion was called to his unit. Before leaving his house, he looked calmly into his parents’ eyes and said nothing. He kissed them, hugged his sisters, and promised to return three days later. He was sent with his unit to assist in the braking battles on the Sinai front. In a battle that took place on the 9th of Tishrei 5734 (9.10.1973) in the area of “Braga” his tank was hit by a missile, and Zion was killed. He was brought to eternal rest, in the presence of Rabbis, in the “Zichron-Meir” cemetery in Bnei Brak. Survived by father, mother, brother and eight sisters. After his fall, he was promoted to sergeant.