Levi, Haim (Harry)

He was born on February 2, 1946, in Sofia, Bulgaria, and he immigrated to Israel with his family in 1948. He completed his elementary studies at the “Maanit” And continued his studies at the “Amal” carpentry school, first working in a carpentry workshop in Tel Aviv and then working in a carpentry workshop in Ramle, eventually advancing his life by opening his own business and establishing himself in it. He knew a number of languages: Hebrew and Bulgarian, he spoke Spanish and Yiddish, and Haim was drafted into the IDF in early February 1964 and volunteered for the paratroopers. After basic training and after a parachuting course, he was appointed as a platoon commander in the Paratroopers Brigade. After completing his infantry commander course, he was appointed commander of a rifle squad. He began studying in a physical training course, but did not finish the course due to illness. He later returned to his battalion for operational employment and took part in many reprisals. After a while he was appointed as a rifleman. After completing his regular service, Haim was assigned to reserve duty in the paratroopers’ battalion. He participated in the Six-Day War in the battles of Jerusalem and was among the first soldiers to liberate the city and reach the Western Wall. For his participation in the liberation of Jerusalem he was given a medal and a card from the commander, Motta Gur. In 1970 Haim married his girlfriend Shifra and the couple continued to live in Ramle. When the Yom Kippur War broke out, he left for his unit without receiving a summons. He took part in the Sinai battles with Danny Matt, and was one of the first to cross the canal. After the cease-fire, the force in which Haim served was stationed in the outposts on the western side of the Suez Canal, opposite the Ismailia-Cairo highway. On November 22, 1973, a tractor was detonated near the Pecan outpost, and the Egyptians opened fire at it. Haim, who intended to throw a smoke grenade to cover up the tractor’s pull, glanced over the post and was hit by a sniper bullet in the head and killed. He was brought to eternal rest in the cemetery in Ramle. Survived by a wife, daughter and son, parents and brother. After his fall, he was promoted to sergeant. In a letter of condolence to the bereaved family, The unit commander wrote: “Haim was outstanding in his ability, his leadership, and especially his courage, and we knew him as an exemplary fighter who knew how to instill courage and initiative in the heart of his comrades.