Mazuz, Califa

Ben Rousha and David. Born on 23.5.1963 in the city of Tavwein, Tunisia, the fifth child of a family of seven children. In 1971, at the age of eight, the family immigrated to Israel and settled in Be’er Sheva. Kalifa attended the Joseph Karo Elementary School and the Comprehensive High School. He graduated high school with honors, in the theoretical-biological track. Califa radiated quiet and serenity and his face always smiled. In 1979 his father, David, passed away. In mid-August 1981, Kalifa was drafted into compulsory military service, and after completing his basic training, he went to the course of control lines. After graduating cum laude he was assigned to serve in the Signal Corps as a controller of wired systems. In the course of his years in the army, he served in various positions and ranks, and was awarded the rank of sergeant in November 1983. In the opinion of his commander, he stated: “Every time he proves initiative and investment in his work.” In another recommendation he made as an excellent soldier in his field of responsibility , “With many professional knowledge, promoted many projects professionally and with great skill.” After completing his compulsory service in August 1984, he began serving in the Israeli Air Force and completed excellent vocational courses in excellent grades. His comrades in the unit met with the commander of the air force, and in 1991 he passed a course with honors Technicians at the Government Institute for Technical Training, was awarded the title “Qualified Technician” and promoted to the rank of Major General. He was registered in the technicians’ register of the Israel Engineers Association. That same year he married Esther and together they built their home in Be’er Sheva, where their daughter Lital was born. In August 1993, alarming signs of illness were discovered in Kifah. He underwent medical treatment, while continuing to fulfill his duties in his unit in the air force. In February 1994 his condition worsened and in April Kalifa was hospitalized at Hadassah Hospital in Jerusalem, where he underwent harsh treatment. Despite the doctors’ efforts to save his life, Kalifa died on 22 June 1994. He was thirty-one years old when he fell. He was laid to rest in the military cemetery in Be’er Sheva. He left behind a wife, a daughter, a mother, three sisters – Jacqueline, Liza and Marcel, and two brothers – Yosef and Nissim. Chief of Staff Ehud Barak wrote in a letter of condolence to his family: “Kalifa served as a liaison officer in a communications unit at the Nevatim Air Force base. He was described by his commanders against a superior who was chosen as an outstanding player, and even represented his unit to the commander of the air force. Was highly professional and contributed greatly to advancing the ground connection in the unit, was highly regarded and loved by the wing soldiers. “The commander of his unit wrote to his family:” Khalifa has served in the unit for about ten years, almost from the day of its establishment. When he enlisted in the army, in August 1984, his recommendations were written with warm recommendations. Throughout his service, Kalifa fully justified these recommendations. He was an excellent soldier, very professional. Each task entrusted to him was carried out in the fastest, best, and most professional manner. Califa was loved and loved most, both by members of the unit and by the entire base. He was chosen during his service to represent the base against an outstanding commander of the Air Force. In addition, he was elected against a basic excellence in 1987-1986. He was a quiet and self-effacing man, yet he made his mark on the unit, thanks to his personal and professional ability. “To commemorate his memory, his family donated a Torah scroll to the Ohel Moshe synagogue in Be’er Sheva.