Kai, David

Was born on December 21, 1959 in Tel Aviv, the only son of his parents, and his father, a scientist at the Weizmann Institute of Science, influenced David’s professional path. Shprinzak in Rehovot, continued his junior high school and high school in Katzir, where he completed his studies as an outstanding student of his class, and went to the United States with his parents, . David returned to Israel and in December 1978. David completed basic training and was sent to a computer training course, and was promoted to corporal, advanced in his profession, and in June 1979 he was awarded sergeant rank. His commanders tried to convince him to serve at the end of his regular army service, but David’s plans were different. He was going to study biology at the university and train himself as a neurobiologist. During summer vacations, David worked in a laboratory at the Weizmann Institute, and was promised that he would be able to continue working there when he completed his studies. The director of the laboratory, David worked with, said, “He was the best student and the most excellent person I have ever met.” David excelled not only in the real professions but also in the fields of art – in music, painting and cinema – he was also interested in Hebrew and English. On the 17th of Av 5739 (10.8.1979) David went on a Simcha vacation. Near his base in Ophira, he boarded a civilian truck that was heading towards Eilat. On the way the driver lost control of the wheel, the truck overturned and three passengers were killed in an accident. Among them was David and another soldier. He was 19 when he died. He was laid to rest at the military cemetery in Rehovot. Survived by his parents. His commander wrote a letter of condolence to his parents: “David completed his basic professional training cum laude and for a year in which we served in our unit we learned to recognize and cherish his talents and good qualities. He was attentive to his wishes, his quietness and his smile returned to our hearts, he paid attention and thought to everything he did and always wanted to learn, to acquire knowledge and to share his knowledge with friends. All of us, his friends and commanders. ” A forest was named after him in the forest of the Jewish National Fund.