Meidan (Dadon), Joseph

Son of Rosette and Machluf, was born on 10.9.1954 in the city of Forlrota in Morocco. Joseph immigrated to Israel in 1955 with his family. They settled in the immigrant town of Sderot. Joseph was a good boy, disciplined and industrious. He began studying at the Maoz State Religious School in Sderot, and at the same time studied with the town’s rabbi. He continued to study at the Sderot High School, was one of the best students, and especially excelled in the real professions. Since there was no real trend in the Sderot school, his parents made tremendous efforts and sent him to finish his studies at the Tagger school in Ashkelon. Here too he had his talents and his stubbornness, and he graduated successfully. During his studies, Yosef worked as a youth counselor in the framework of the Youth House in Sderot. Yosef was drafted into the IDF in early August 1973 and volunteered to serve in the Armored Corps, during the Yom Kippur War, and Yosef, along with the other recruits, was rushed to Sinai to assist in stopping the Egyptian forces. He was awarded the rank of sergeant and was recommended by his commanders to leave for an officers ‘course, and he completed a course for officers of the Armored Corps and officers’ course, and was appointed as a brigade mentor in a unit that trains reservists. In the IDF. During that period, Yosef met his wife Zehava, who also served in the army. After a period of shared residence at a military base, the couple moved to Kiryat Gat where their son Oren was born. Joseph was a warm man, a loving husband and a devoted father who gave peace and tranquility to his family. Joseph continued to rise in the ranks and roles, served as a guide in the Armored Corps School, and with units from the school took part in the Peace for Galilee War. Joseph was promoted to the rank of major, and his last position was deputy battalion commander. He was supposed to go to the Command and Staff School and be appointed battalion commander. On the 11th of Tammuz 5747 (11.7.1984), Major Yosef fell in the line of duty and was laid to rest in the cemetery in Sderot. He left behind a wife and son, parents and eight brothers and sisters