Kofman, Pinchas

Son of Miriam and Aharon, was born on 27 April 1927 in Rishon Letzion. At the age of 14, after graduating from school, he studied mechanics for several years and excelled in the profession. After his hours of work he read many books and especially read books dealing with the history of Israel. His subjects were always: the heroism of the people, its wars, its longing for freedom. During the War of Independence he was one of the first recruits to the Haganah, even before the establishment of the army. When he said goodbye to his sister before leaving for work, he calmed her down and said to her: “For the country I am going …” He served in the Givati ​​Brigade and at the beginning of January 1948 he was stationed with his department in Gan Yavneh. On the 17th of Tevet 5708 (9.1.1948), two classes from the Department left for a tour of Gan Yavne in the area, with two pistols and two grenades. Armed Arabs from the village of Abu Sawira noticed them and opened fire at them. Eleven of the reconnaissance men were killed and Pinchas was among them. His body was returned the following day by the British army. He was laid to rest in the military cemetery in Rishon Letzion. On January 24, Givati ​​forces raided the village of Abu Suweira and blew up its houses.