Melamed, Yaakov (Kobi)

Kobi, son of Rachel and Amos Melamed, was born in Petah Tikva in 1976. In late July 1995 began compulsory army service. Kobi was assigned to the “Orev” reconnaissance unit, and began combat training that included arduous training. He stood out in his determination to continue to function even in difficult situations. During basic training, he suffered from broken leg and foot, but he did not succumb to pain. After completing basic training, he completed a course for squad commanders, and the final part of the course was for Kobi to do operational activity in Lebanon, an activity he had been waiting for impatiently. On the 28th of Shevat 5747 February 4, 1997, the helicopter disaster occurred when two Yasur helicopters collided over Moshav Shear Yashuv, and the seventy-three fighters, who made their way to operational activity in Lebanon, were killed, among them Kobi, who was 20 years old. Kobi was brought to rest in the Segula military cemetery in Petah Tikva.