Michalovitch, Moshe

Moshe, son of Etty and Avraham, was born on the 24th of Av 5714 (24.8.1954) in Haifa. He completed his elementary studies at the “Nirim” school in Camp David. He completed his high school studies at the industrial school in the Haifa bay, with the aim of welding frames. Moshe won a happy childhood full of experiences. He loved his place of residence and his way of life, and he knew how to take advantage of every moment of his life for activity and activity. He always tried to work in many fields and try his strength in everything. Whatever he did, he did with vigor and joy, out of total devotion and seeing the beautiful and joyous side of things. His love of life soon became mainly the love of people. He loved people wherever he was, and so he bought him many friends and had good friendships with them. He always tried to be with people and share his experiences. His good heart and integrity earned the hearts of all his acquaintances, and they trusted him greatly. From an early age Moshe loved everything related to sports. He was especially active in soccer and basketball, loved to swim, and especially excelled in target practice. Moshe was on a lot of hiking. He loved the landscape of the country and enjoyed a tour of its various sites. Despite his many occupations and extensive connections, Moshe was very attached to his family. He took part in everything that happened among his family, and was a good son and cared for his parents. After completing his three years of studies at the vocational school, Moshe worked for a private contractor to finance his own needs and expenses, and was drafted into the IDF in mid-February 1973 and volunteered for the paratroopers. After basic training and after completing a parachuting course, he continued on the difficult training course of the Paratroopers. In his hard and exhausting training he excelled as a person with great physical strength and endurance, and thus became one of the best and most efficient soldiers in his unit. Thanks to his great ability he was always able to help his friends, and he proved to be a good friend, especially in moments of crisis and pressure. He had captured the hearts of his comrades in the unit, too, in his outward appearance-his broad shoulders, brown eyes and beauty-and his character and good qualities. Moshe soon became a central figure among his friends. He was especially treated by his commanders, mainly because of his indifference and coldness in carrying out any difficult task, or getting punishment for a trick or offense. Moshe was frank with his new friends, shared his experiences and thoughts about his family and girlfriend, and was never ashamed of his actions. His stories, his cold and matter-of-fact approach to his exhausting training and his excellent sense of humor helped quite a few other soldiers in the unit overcome the difficulties in training. Despite these difficulties, and despite the workload, Moshe always found time to write to his parents and especially to his girlfriend, who was very attached to her from an early age. During his vacations from the army, he would hurry to spend time with his friends, regardless of his weariness, and always planned outings and meetings, to take advantage of every moment to socialize with as many old friends as possible. During the Yom Kippur War, Moshe took part in the braking battles against the Egyptians in Sinai. In the battle that took place on the 15th of Tishrei 5734 (11.10.1973), near Ras Sudar, his half-track was caught in an Egyptian ambush. Moshe was killed in battle and brought to eternal rest in the military cemetery in Haifa. He was promoted to the rank of corporal, and his unit published a pamphlet containing the words of friends about the image of the fallen soldiers and Moshe among them.