Ben Yaffa and David. He was born on December 8, 1970 in Dimona, Ilan, where he began his studies at the “Rachamim” elementary school, and at the age of nine he and his brother Erez and Ilanit were moved to the Neveh Hannah boarding school in Kiryat Gat He studied at the Ben Tzvi School in the city, so that from a very young age, Ilan adapted to a very independent life, giving him values, ethics, and a way of life that not every child of his age was fortunate enough to deal with personal and social problems on his own. These were positive for the people around him and especially for his younger siblings, who served as a paternal figure and role model. He was very smart, although he did not always stand out from his presence, because he spent most of his time in the basketball court or in the nearby gymnasium where he practiced various sports – ground gymnastics, table tennis, athletics and of course basketball – his favorite sport. “Shalon” in the city until the end of eighth grade, where Ilan grew up and taught him how to adapt and accept and accept as he did, and during the summer vacations he worked as a camp counselor to earn a living and not to be A burden on his parents or on a grandmother and grandfather from Dimona who helped, supported and gave all the time. Grandmother Yasmin and Grandfather Reuven had a large part and a wide place in his heart and in Ilan’s life. During his vacations, Ilan, his brother and sister arrived at Grandma and Grandpa’s home, where they received everything from a kiss to a stable education from which Ilan drew strength, much love and warmth, and the motivation to move on even though life dictated otherwise. Ilan has a special character, and apart from helping others and society, he kept a warm spot and special sensitivity to the elderly population. He was often late for school or basketball training because he helped the old man cross the road or carry heavy baskets home. At the beginning of ninth grade, Ilan moved to and studied at the “Ayanot” boarding school, where he completed his studies in the academic class with a high school diploma and a matriculation certificate. His dream was to study law in order to fulfill in a certain way the dream of his grandmother, who firmly believed that his character suited a tree for social justice and would be useful in changing social classes. Ilan played basketball in the Elitzur Yavne team, excelled in his team game. He served as a coordinator because of his height, and mainly because of his character and leadership abilities. In August 1988, Ilan was drafted into the IDF and first assigned to a paratroop brigade. After completing his wireless course, he was sent to combat engineering and served as a liaison in the Jordan Valley. At the end of his regular service, he wrote in his release card: “A sociable soldier, with a well-developed ability to carry out his duties.” After his discharge from the army, Ilan worked in various jobs and helped his mother and his brother earn a living. He worked as a contractor for asbestos works and was on the way to realizing his dream – high studies. On October 24, 1993, while serving in reserve duty, Ilan was murdered by terrorists in the Gaza Strip with another reserve soldier, Major-General Ehud Roth, when they asked to take a ride home. Their bodies were found in the Khan Yunis refugee camp. He was twenty-three when Ilan fell. He was laid to rest at the military cemetery in Dimona. Survived by his parents, two sisters – Nili and Ilanit and three brothers – Erez, and the twins Tzachi and Ami. After his death, Ilan was promoted to sergeant. On the day he was murdered he was supposed to pass a test, so when he finally made an effort for himself, he did not return. Thus ended the life of a noble man who devoted most of his life to give to others, especially his immediate family and friends. In the letter Tann”Sergeant Ilan Levi was kidnapped and killed in the Khan Yunis area and served in the communications corps as a wireless operator and was assigned to active reserve duty in the Gaza Strip, Ilan was a devoted soldier, responsible and loved by all his friends and commanders. Let us treasure it with pride. ” The letter of the unit commander reads: “Ilan was an exemplary soldier, motivated and willing to do the best. He aspired to perfection and was always ready to carry out any mission he was given.” While in reserve duty, Ilan wrote a letter in which he said goodbye to everyone, as if he knew that these were his last days. The period during which he was killed was the holiday season and Ilan made sure to call all members of the extended family and wished everyone a happy holiday. Ilan was a warm, loving and thoughtful man, and his death shocked many people who appreciated the young man who had taken upon himself unbearable tasks. His memory is engraved in the memory of many people who still refuse to accept the decree that was decreed against all members of the immediate and distant family. His family wrote: “Ilan” – A – representing Emuna, Y. – who represents you, L. – who was the victim of a lowly act of man, and N. – who knows revenge.
