Itzkovitz, Chaim-Moshe
Son of Elimelech and Chasida. He was born on the 29th of Marishvan 5709 (1/12/1948) in Szeged, Hungary. His parents wanted to immigrate to Israel before they were born, but since they were involved in guiding children who survived the Holocaust, their immigration was not possible. When the Iron Curtain fell on Hungary, they were forced to flee to Slovakia where they joined a group of immigrants headed for Palestine. After a tedious journey for three days and three nights on the train, and after many jolts they reached the ship. The overcrowding, heat, and seasickness weakened the baby’s life and his condition was difficult. When she arrived in Israel, the family was housed in the Sha’ar Ha’aliya camp. Haim was examined in the clinic and sent in serious condition to a hospital in Haifa. After being hospitalized for six weeks, he was released from the hospital, safe and sound – but thin and thin. He attended the Shafir regional elementary school in the center of Shapira, was a disciplined child, respected his parents and did everything he could to make them Simcha. He was a member of the “Bnei Akiva” youth movement, in the “Masuot Yitzhak” branch and in the framework of the school he worked in sports and took part in several marches. After his brother and sister were born, Haim accompanied their development, paying them great attention and trying to help them with everything, especially their studies. When he began studying at Yeshivat Or Etzion, where he studied for a year, he opened up a new world. He chose to study “sitting” in order to gain knowledge of Torah study and to develop his personality. For him, studies were sacred, especially Torah study. He did not stop praising his teachers who gave him knowledge and affection. In Yeshiva he found new friends who appreciated the importance of studying and were willing to help him. It was the happiest time of his life. He was drafted into the IDF in July 1967 and assigned to the Nahal Brigade. He was proud to wear the IDF uniform, but he was saddened when he learned that he was not assigned to a combat unit, and after fulfilling his fate, Chaim fulfilled his duties faithfully and stood up with respect for every mission they imposed on him. He would not talk to his parents about things he knew would hurt them, to prevent them from grieving, and he would try to reassure them by saying that he did not need to talk to him when he came home for a Shabbat holiday with a cheerful smile on his face. He used to bring sweets to his little brothers and sometimes even a gift to the house, he loved his home, and he loved the country with great love. He was alive, optimistic and full of hope for the future, and he was wounded and died of his wounds, and was brought to eternal rest in the Massuot Yitzhak cemetery, after his fall, a booklet entitled “Haim” In his memory.
