Ben Shaharban and Majid. Was born on 20.9.1977 in the Druze village of Beit Jann in the Upper Galilee. A smiling, bright-faced boy whom everyone liked. He attended elementary school in Beit Jan and continued in the village high school. Paddy had been in Karate and since childhood, he had reached a black belt and his future as a karate coach was guaranteed. He took part in competitions and won medals, four times in first place, and the trophy awarded to him won his honor with great respect. He was a source of pride for his family, he took on the role of father when he was away from home and helped his mother in caring for his younger brothers. Paddy was a music lover and loved to listen to Israeli songs. He especially liked to hear Ofer Levy, Zohar Argov and Aviv Geffen. Fadi was a member of a family that many of its sons served in the IDF and reached senior ranks, and lost three of them in the wars of Israel, Paddy was constantly talking about his desire to join the army and insisted on this right, even though he was from a bereaved family.As the recruitment date drew near, Paddy took the acceptance exams to the undercover unit but was forced to withdraw because of his father’s opposition. Paddy enlisted in the IDF and volunteered for the Armored Corps. He was trained as an armored combatant and served in the “Ramah” battalion as a liaison. Paddy was proud of being a “soldier” and in the values he represented, he loved the army and saw in it his future. Full of enthusiasm and motivation to move forward, and at every opportunity he wanted to go to the commanders’ course. His commanders, impressed by his abilities and qualities, recommended his departure for the officers’ course. In his military life, as in civilian life, he was surrounded by many friends, Jews and Druze, who appreciated him and sought his closeness. In the summer of 1996, he came to Aked with his daughter Bonina and planned to marry her at the end of his army service. Paddy’s great dream was to receive a piece of land on Har Aryeh, to build a modest house and raise children, but his plans were cut off. On the evening of February 4, 1997, the helicopter disaster occurred when two Yasur helicopters collided over Moshav She’ar Yashuv. The seventy-three fighters, who made their way to operational activity in Lebanon, were killed, including Fadi. He was laid to rest in the military section of the cemetery in Beit Jann. He was nineteen when he fell. Survived by her fiancee, parents, two brothers – Roni and Fuad and three sisters – Ahlas, Sonia and Veronese. After his death he was promoted to sergeant. In a letter of condolence to the bereaved family, Chief of Staff Amnon Lipkin-Shahak wrote: “Fadi served as a lieutenant in the 7th Brigade’s battalion, and was described by his commanders as a responsible and devoted soldier with self-confidence who displayed great motivation for military service. “I remember how Paddy, with his happiness and his special smile, came to me for a personal interview, because he wanted to see him,” said Lt. Col. Amnon Asulin, commander of the Ramah battalion. To ask me for a special leave, and especially to tell me personally that he was about to become engaged. I was so happy to see Paddy proudly saying that he was engaged, and asked me to join the family party. I could not regret it, but Paddy did not forget to come after the engagement party and bring me the delicacies of the family and the community, and especially to show me your picture … We managed to get to know Paddy’s character a little – always smiling, always creating a pleasant and warm atmosphere, To others and then to himself and always wants to help and give … Paddy was the fruit of a rare breed, who was raised to the love of the Land of Israel and the love of others. “The press published extensive articles on the disaster,Paddy ‘s Story. Paddy’s family initiated the establishment of a memorial site for the seventy-three families of the victims of the disaster, located along the route of Beit Jann-Hurfish, where Paddy and his friends celebrated his last vacation. Paddy’s father and mother became active in the “Four Mothers” movement. The site contains a monument to the fallen and their names engraved on it. The family also commemorated a Torah library that was put into the eastern prayer house in Beit Jann and named after Paddy. In addition, she published a memorial booklet with pictures of his life, lines of his character, letters and poems written by friends and relatives.
