Katz, Mordechai-Yehuda

Mordechai-Yehuda (Moti), son of Sarah and Yosef, a Holocaust survivor, was born on April 29, 1954, in Haifa. He studied at the Maimonides Elementary School and at the Moriah School. He was humble and gentle. His intelligent eyes radiated warmth and love for others. The smile never left his lips, and there was great grace on his face. He strived for honesty and justice and was always willing to help his friends. Mordechai was drafted into the IDF in early February 1972 and volunteered for the Paratroopers Brigade, but at first he wanted to serve in the IAF, but it turned out that he was color blind and could not be a pilot after completing his basic training course. In late 1972 he was among the forces that raided Lebanon. He was a responsible and dedicated officer, and he took care of his soldiers. His commanders gave him the “operational service award”. When the Yom Kippur War broke out he was sent with his unit to the front in Sinai. On the 14th of Tishrei 5734 (October 11, 1973), west of the Suez Canal, in the sector of Lifta, in front of the Chinese Farm, a cargo pipe exploded and Mordechai was hit and killed on the spot. He was brought to eternal rest in the Haifa cemetery. He was survived by a father, mother and brother. After his fall, he was promoted to lieutenant.