Ben Hagit and Yoav. Born on 10.10.1975 in Kibbutz Negba as the youngest son, with four sisters – Sivan, Adi, Sharon and Shahar – Tomer began his elementary studies at the “Amirim” elementary school in the Galilee, continued at Kibbutz Negba Elementary School , And moved to the “Tzafit” high school in Kibbutz Kfar Menachem, where he studied in the real world, Tomer was a curious, smiling and happy person who excelled in his studies and stood out in every way. His joy of life and his intelligence, was a modest and sensitive man and jealously guarded his privacy, and from his warm and loving family Tomer drew the values of giving without limits, “A hundred years of solitude,” on the occasion of her trip abroad, he wrote to her: “What am I going to write to you? You must enjoy yourself, because there must be At least as good as this one – so that you will be far from your wonderful brother … “. Tomer was an avid tour enthusiast, studied judo, was an outstanding ping pong player, but most of all stood out for his social involvement and leadership ability. In his youth, he joined Hashomer Hatzair and later became a movement leader. Charismatic and peace-loving, he worked hard to create dialogue between Jewish, Arab and Palestinian youth and organized seminars for youth. “At these meetings, Tomer stamped the stamp of building bridges and dialogue with the Palestinians, creating a life of dignity and trust,” said kibbutz member Anat Maor. Tomer was chosen to participate in a peace camp in Spain, attended by European, Israeli and Palestinian youth. After three years he lectured at an international peace conference in Sweden, representing the peace camp in Israel and the Peace Now movement to which he belonged. At the end of his studies, he went on to study at the Hashomer Hatzair center in Jerusalem at the end of this period, and many of his students wrote to him that this was the most significant year of their lives, Who was to be composed of the 13 instructors of Hashomer Hatzair and enlisted in one of the Nahal Brigade units, while persuading his comrades to enlist as a team of the Nahal Engineering Company. After the nucleus was formed, his friends decided to call him “Tomer’s nucleus” after the person who pushed, initiated and organized. At the end of November 1995, Tomer enlisted in the IDF and completed his basic training as an outstanding trainee, serving as part of the Palmach division of the Nahal Brigade, and Tomer was also famous for his strength. His future in the army was open to him – he planned to go to a squad commanders ‘course and then to officers’ course, and made plans for the future as well, out of his desire to continue to influence society. On the evening of 28 February 1997, the helicopter disaster occurred when two Yasur helicopters collided over Moshav Shear Yashuv. The seventy-three fighters, who made their way to operational activity in Lebanon, were killed, including Tomer. He was buried in the military section of Kibbutz Negba cemetery. He was twenty-one years old when he fell. Survived by parents and four sisters. After his death he was promoted to sergeant. In a letter of condolence to the bereaved family, Chief of Staff Amnon Lipkin-Shahak wrote: “Tomer, of blessed memory, served as a combat soldier in the engineering division of the Nahal Brigade and was described by his commanders as a superior and disciplined soldier who performed his duties professionally and gave security to his surroundings. And to assist at all times, and was admired and accepted by his commanders and friends alike. ” The commander of his unit wrote to the family: “Tomer was the driving force of the team, a natural leader, all of whom seek guidance, guidance and guidanceAnd a good word during stress and distress. Tomer was the heart of the team and most of his ability was expressed during times of stress, which was characterized by his relaxed nature and reassured the team. “After the disaster, extensive articles were published in the press, one of which was about Tomer and his good friends Sergeant Idan Minker and Staff Sergeant Tom Kitain, The same helicopter. Kibbutz Negba issued a memorial booklet containing memoirs of friends describing Tomer’s character throughout his life on the kibbutz. His father wrote: “You walked in soft rubber shoes when the rustle of applause (to which you were deaf) accompanied you everywhere, silent, fast, deep, and so creative – I remember the palaces of Babylon that you used to build in Leggo when you were five years old and when I, I would occasionally try to build my own palace – frustrating attempts were made and I stopped – and I’ve known since then. ” A member of his kibbutz wrote: “Tomer is an impressive man, strong and gentle together, a lean, strong body wrapped in long, long muscles and eyes that have always told me there is nothing to fear because no matter how bad the children come from the picture on the grass, , This child will always be there, and no force in the world can harm him. ” His daughter wrote: “You have taught me, with your smile, to know how to enjoy life and to be happy as long as possible and when it is difficult, with your values and your good attitude towards others, appreciate and respect everything that comes my way. Green and flower blooming, and with your great devotion to the army and dedication to the mission, to know how to be a hero, even when the mind is not always strong enough, and now you are teaching me the hardest, but this time without you, . His family published in his memory a book describing his image, pictures of his life, caricatures he drew and letters of friends and relatives. The family also decided to establish a botanical garden in his memory.
