Magal (Goldenberg), David

David, ben Hannah and Moshe, was born on the 14th of Kislav, December 16, 1948 in Kibbutz Gvat, and attended elementary school and high school in the kibbutz. He was an outstanding student and never experienced any difficulties in his studies. His heart was open to anyone who came to him, and never refused to help. He was very demanding of himself in everything he did. David was drafted into the Israel Defense Forces in early November 1966 and after successfully completing the first screening tests, and was accepted to the pilot’s course at the Air Force Flight School. He soon became one of the most talented young officers in his squadron, and was soon given the job of basic safety officer for basic flights. He was able to continue his career for nine months so that he could complete a flight instructor’s course. As part of his compulsory service, and later in the career army, he often took part in daring rescue operations of fighters captured in enemy territory. In appreciation of one of his actions, the commander of the Israel Air Force wrote: “I express my appreciation for the rescue of survivors in an operation in the Gulf of Suez, as a sub pilot in one of the rescue planes. During the Yom Kippur War Dudu(David) participated in the first battles in the northern front and then in the battles in Sinai. On the 15th day of Tishrai, October 12, 1973, his plane was hit by an antiaircraft missile and crashed north of Umm Hikpika. He was brought to eternal rest in the cemetery of Kibbutz Gvat, leaving behind a wife, son, parents and sister.