Koren (Kronberger), Raphael (Rafi)

Son of Zeev and Chaya. He was born in the Gezer group on the 25th of May 1950. He studied at the elementary school there, continued at Achva Elementary School in Ramle and completed his studies at the Ramle-Lod Regional High School. He was loved by his teachers and his friends, dedicated and willing to help all, always standing to the right of his friends and love of humanity, and he loved to care for animals. “Rafi’s open gaze and his kindly smile reflected his innocent innocence and his natural goodness, qualities that spoke to the hearts of all those who knew him: He was a loyal and devoted son to his parents, Rafi successfully completed his high school studies and the time he had left until he enlisted in the IDF, traveled abroad to study English. Rafi was drafted into the Israel Defense Forces in August 1968. After completing his basic training, he was sent to the Israel Air Force Squadron in the center of the country in the role of pilot, and at the end of his regular service. After completing his flight instructor course, Rafi was trained as a pilot at the IDF’s aviation school. In August 1973, Rafi married Ronit. In a letter to the parents, the commander of the squadron wrote: “Rafi was one of the outstanding pilots of the Israel Air Force, one of those who was entrusted with the Phantom jet, and participated in events prior to the Yom Kippur War, the war itself and the subsequent incidents. In the long and difficult war, and proved great efficiency, courage and coolness. “Rafi was a pillar of the squadron as a pilot and pilot, and especially as a person who placed a comfortable and calm atmosphere around him. Raphi did not miss every opportunity to call his parents, to calm them and to prevent them from worrying, even at the height of the war. Despite their tension and anxiety, he used to smile, calm and prevent family members from grieving. On February 13, 1975, Rafi fell to the cemetery in Ramle, leaving behind a wife, parents and brother in a letter of condolence to the bereaved family. The air, even if cut short in the middle, was full of successes and achievements. His accomplishments in all areas, both as a man and as a man and as a soldier and a warrior, were always mentioned by his commanders, and were appreciated by his friends. I met Rafi as a pilot for a number of years, and in all my meetings with him, I was always impressed with his unique abilities that not everyone has: dedication, knowledge, ability to perform, cooperation and unlimited joy. Indeed, he was a real fighter pilot, who knew and knew the complex system he was running. You can be sure that you are entitled to be proud of Raffi. We, his commanders and friends, are always proud of him. “