Levi, Yehoshua (Uzi)

Son of Levi-Sela and Zivia. Born in 1950 in Aden and immigrated to Israel with his family as a baby, he studied at the Moreshet Elementary School in Kfar Gvirol and at the vocational high school in Rehovot, where he enjoyed physical activity and sports and many bodybuilding exercises. He was recruited to the IDF in February 1968 and volunteered for the paratroopers and was stationed at the base where his brother-in-law served as an officer in the regular army. His brother-in-law knew Uzi’s commanders and had friendly relations with them, but Uzi strongly opposed any help or assistance whatsoever. He never complained about the hardships and dangers that lay ahead. He was strong-hearted and willing to take any action. After his fall, his comrades-in-arms told of a case in which they had to cross a minefield and no sappers with whom Uzi volunteered to dismantle the mines. He did so quickly and expertly, allowing them to cross the minefield before the sapper arrived. At the time of battle, Uzi was asked to carry a wounded soldier to the medical treatment point, and they carried up the hill so fast that his friends could not believe their eyes. His friends in the unit praised him very much during his brief visits to the family. Uzi was a dedicated and responsible son. He always cared for his mother and wanted to keep her from worrying. At every opportunity he would jump home, even for a few minutes, to announce that he was safe and sound. With his courageous Lev was also a gentle mind. There was a heavy residue after the cost of his vehicle on a mine, and the death of two of his friends-in tears he told his sister. On the 16th of Nissan 5761 (16.4.1971), he died during his service. He was laid to rest at the military cemetery in Rehovot.