Kochavi, David (‘Dudu’)

Son of Meshulam and Yemima was born on 29.6.1949 in Ramat Gan. When he was tender, the family moved to the streets. David studied at the Shprinzak elementary school and completed his studies at the Rehovot High School in the real world: Dudu was a very good student and fulfilled all the requirements, and he was a loyal friend, and his many friends liked him very much, Taking part in all activities: tours, camps, training and more. He was a gifted athlete and took part in many athletics competitions, but his main hobby was building model airplanes. David did as much as he could for his widowed mother and his brother, who was very attached to him. David was drafted into the IDF in early August 1967 and volunteered for the Paratroopers Brigade After completing a parachuting course and infantry commander course, he was sent to the Infantry Officers Course and returned to the Paratroopers Brigade as a platoon commander. David fulfilled all his duties to the satisfaction of his superiors, and when the time came for his release from the army, they asked him to continue serving for several months under permanent conditions. His discharge certificate reads: “disciplined, sociable, fulfilled his duty with devotion and efficiency.” In October 1970, Dudu was released from regular service. He married his girlfriend Josefa and began studying at the Technion, where he was a graduate of the Faculty of Aeronautical Engineering. Throughout his studies and during the Yom Kippur War, David served in his paratroopers unit and bore the brunt of the war on Israel’s security. In September 1975, Dudu returned to the Paratroopers Brigade, was sent to the infantry brigade, and after completing his command, he received a battalion of paratroopers under his command. “He was active in his work and was able to create, within a short time, contact with soldiers he did not know. Promoted and work with them as a department. ” After completing a long and arduous course, Captain David headed for the final exercise. On May 10, 1977, David fell in the line of duty in the crash of the helicopter in the Jordan Valley. In this disaster, 54 soldiers were killed. He was laid to rest in the military section of the cemetery in Rehovot. He left behind a wife and son, mother, brother, and two sisters. In a letter of condolence to the bereaved family, his commander said that “the battalion’s soldiers, its members and commanders will continue to follow the path he has instructed us – through volunteerism, courage and sacrifice – in order to fortify the people’s security for us and for all the people of Israel.”