Michael, Joseph

Son of Masha and Bassa. Born on December 18, 1963 in Ashkelon, the eldest son of a family of three, he spent his childhood and youth in Ashkelon, where he studied at Havatzelet Elementary School in Ashkelon and at the Kfar Silber High School in the biological track. In April 1982 Yossi was drafted into the army and was assigned to the Armored Corps. After completing his basic training, Yossi was sent to a tank commanders course and was awarded the rank of corporal. Yossi was very attached to his family. When his mother got ill and was hospitalized, he asked his commanders to allow him to visit his home more so that his younger brothers would not be alone in the house. During his service, Yossi was promoted to the rank of Staff Sergeant, and in April 1985 was discharged from regular army service. In August 1987, Yossi was called up for active reserve duty and set out for operational activity in the Jordan Valley. On the 13th of Elul 5747 (7.9.1987) he fell while carrying out his duties. Yossi died in a road accident near Zurit, where he served. His friend, Sergeant Ereli Michael, perished with him. He was laid to rest in the military cemetery in Ashkelon. Survived by his parents, brother Yitzhak and sister Tzipora. In a letter of condolence to the bereaved family, the commander of the unit wrote: “Yossi was outstanding in his professionalism, in his ability to perform … at a rare level of artillery … When he embarked on exhausting patrols along the border, Yossi did not wait for the order … They returned from training or employment, made sure to prepare hot food and drink, even though it was not his job … Yossi was a good man, who did so in order to help and not to receive thanks … “