Koter, Ephraim

Ephraim, son of Tovah and David Koter, was born on January 31, 1930, in the city of Galatz, Romania, and in 1940, he immigrated to Israel with his father. His father enlisted during the Second World War to the “Jewish Drivers’ Unit” and on his way to Malta he died. As an orphan, Ephraim was sent to the “Alumim” children’s institution in Ra’anana, and finally he moved to the Mikveh Yisrael agricultural school, where he excelled in his studies. Immediately after completing his studies Ephraim enlisted in the Palmach and gladly fulfilled his duties. He served in the “Yiftach” Brigade, was a saboteur and gunner and participated in many battles. In preparation for the first truce, the Yiftach Brigade was sent to the central region and took part in the fighting in the Latrun area. On the night of 17-18 July 1948, the “Haemek” battalion seized Shilat and an outpost in the eastern part of the Korikor ridge, in order to threaten the Legion in Latrun. In the morning it became clear that the Legion force was holding the western part of the ridge. The enemy attacked the force in the outpost from two directions and they were forced to withdraw. In the harsh retreat, in an open area under crossfire, Ephraim was wounded and despite this, he tried to help another wounded man. Ephraim was killed on the 11th of Tammuz 5708 (18.7.1948). On the 11th of Adar 5702 (28.2.1950) he was laid to rest at the military cemetery on Mount Herzl in Jerusalem.