Mashreki, Ofer

The eldest son of Shoshana and Yosef, he was born on January 31, 1962 in Gedera. Ofer graduated from the Ben Zvi School in Kiryat Ekron and continued to study for one year at the Carmit vocational boarding school in Jerusalem. Until his enlistment, he worked alternately as a builder, electrician and refrigerator builder, thereby helping his family’s economy. For a while he stayed in Kibbutz Mishmar Hanegev. He was a serious, quiet boy, neat and clean. A lot of travel in Israel and watch its landscapes. Ofer was drafted into the Israel Defense Forces in early February 1980. After completing basic training, he was transferred to the Artillery Corps and attached to a moving artillery unit, and was promoted to the rank of corporal and commander of a moving artillery crew. On 120 Tamuz, (11.7.1982), Corporal Ofer fell in battle in Lebanon during Operation Peace for the Galilee and was brought to rest at the military cemetery in Rechovot. After his fall, he was promoted to sergeant. He left parents and three sisters. His commanders’ assessment of the manner in which he performed his duties during the fighting was “an excellent commanding officer, a disciplined soldier, a modest and humble man”. In a letter of condolence sent to the bereaved family by the defense minister, the minister noted that Ofer “served as the commander of a moving artillery crew, performed his work impeccably, served as a battery officer, was dedicated, proactive and professional.” In Ramle Prison, where his father serves as a prison guard, a pet corner was named after him. His name is engraved on the monument to the fallen of Kiryat Ekron, which was established there.