Koftner (Schultz), Efraim (Ernst)

Son of Malvina and Alexander. He was born on October 16, 1919 in Diernecourt, Austria. As a boy he fell from a high roof and the doctors had to amputate his left arm. The character of Trumpeldor, the protagonist of Tel Hai, gave Efraim an example and a symbol, and he used to say: “It’s nothing, the right is more important than it.” Indeed, his disability did not prevent him from doing more with one of his hands than with two hands; his name came out before him as a good mechanic, an excellent scorer, and an excellent swimmer. When he was fifteen years old, Efraim joined Betar, and his friends recognized him as a cheerful man who always maintained his good mood, who helped his acquaintances despite his handicap, and in 1937 he ascended to the homeland and as a first step he joined the Recruiting Company in Rosh Pina and the ranks of the National Military Organization. He was arrested by the British police for illegal immigration and sent to prison in Acre prison, but released because of his health. Efraim moved to Zichron Yaakov where he worked in pasture and then served in the Ashdod and Nes Ziona orchards. On 22 Shvat, February 1, 1940, Efraim’s body was found in the fields of Oshit, seven kilometers from Gedera. He was shot by Arab murderers from ambush while on duty, and was brought to rest in Nes Ziona. The newspaper Davar published an obituary in his memory.