Kobi, Eitan

Son of Ruti and Shmuel, was born on 21.1.1960 in Ofakim in the Negev. His parents immigrated from Morocco a few years after the establishment of the State, and were among the founders of Ofakim. Eitan studied in Ofakim at the “HaGivah” elementary school, and continued his studies at the agricultural school in Ben Shemen, under boarding conditions. After graduating from high school, he was offered to study at the university as part of the academic reserve, but he preferred to enlist in the IDF and volunteered for an elite unit in July 1978. Eitan joined the army in July 1978 and was stationed in an anti-aircraft unit in the IAF. He completed several courses, and in May 1979 he completed a course for commanders and was promoted to corporal. But Eitan was not pleased with the role he played in the IDF, and he asked for a transfer to a combat unit. In March 1980, Eitan underwent an officers’ course, and was promoted to the rank of lieutenant colonel, and was assigned to the position of commanding officer in the anti-aircraft unit. Eitan rose to the rank of lieutenant, and was appointed commander of an anti-aircraft battery, but his desire to serve in a combat unit was fierce, and when the fighting broke out in Lebanon he was placed in a combat unit. In July 1982, he began serving in the regular army. On 12 Av, August 1, 1982, a fierce battle took place near the airfield in Beirut. Eitan took part in the battle when he was on an armored personnel carrier, and an enemy shell hit the armored personnel carrier, and Eitan was killed. He was 22 years old when he died. After he fell, he was promoted to captain. Defense Minister Ariel Sharon wrote to his parents “Eitan volunteered to rejoin his fellow fighters. He was a calm and thoughtful person who was loyal to his friends and his country. A brave, fearless man. ” The commander of his unit wrote to his parents “Your son served in the unit, and despite the harsh conditions, he did not want to move to a rear unit, and he volunteered to return to the unit and join his fellow fighters, a move that was greeted with great joy and appreciation. His loyalty to his friends and homeland, his concern and the help he provided to his friends and subordinates, his being an interesting conversationalist, his loyalty to his friends and his followers, a courageous fighter without fear. ” Eitan was laid to rest at the military cemetery in Ofakim. He left behind his parents and four sisters.