Kotkovsky, Willi (Ze’ev)

Son of Leon and Rina. He was born on September 9, 1958 in the Katamonim neighborhood of Jerusalem. He studied at Masada Elementary School in the neighborhood and at the Lady Davis Vocational High School in the city, but did not finish his studies here because he started working as an electrician to earn a living. At the same time, he continued to study and acquire opinions on subjects that interested him. He was also interested in art and drew paintings. Willie was a big guy, distinguished by his common sense and his Lev, and with his personal charm he radiated his surroundings. On May 6, 1976, Willi was drafted into the IDF and was under 18 years of age. He volunteered for the Paratroopers Brigade, underwent basic training as well as a parachuting course, and became a regular soldier in the Paratroopers. His commanders and friends noted him as a good soldier who knew how to suffer and help others to endure their suffering. On May 10, 1977, Willy fell in a helicopter crash in the Jordan Valley, where he was 18 and a half years old. In this disaster, 54 soldiers were killed. He was laid to rest in the military cemetery on Mount Herzl in Jerusalem. Survived by his parents and four brothers. His parents donated sacred books to the synagogue in their area of ​​residence.