Moshe, Ilan

Son of Sa’ida and Karim (Nadiv), he was born on October 28, 1957 in Tel Aviv to a family of Iraqi immigrants. He began his studies at the David Yellin Elementary School in Hadar Yosef, and after his family moved to Livni Barak went on to finish the professional school “Lady Davis.” Ilan was recruited to the IDF in early November 1975 and volunteered and served in the Golani infantry brigade. In the brigade he underwent a course for infantry commanders, a course for infantry drivers, a course for APC drivers, a parachuting course, and more. On the date of his release from the regular service, First Sergeant Ilan was asked to extend his service for a few months due to military needs, and he responded willingly. In his discharge certificate, his behavior was described as “very good,” and his commanders’ assessment was that he was “a dedicated and loyal soldier, responsible for carrying out his duties, with initiative, perseverance and high discipline, who performed his duties to the satisfaction of those in charge.” At the beginning of March 1979, Ilan was discharged from the regular army, was appointed as a reservist in the infantry brigade and participated in Operation Litani. He began to study at the Open University and studied regular academic studies. Together with his friends, he established the DZLAM Association (“Blood is not Water”), whose goal was to combat traffic accidents and served as treasurer of the movement. The movement published an information pamphlet and was in contact with public figures, ministers and MKs. When the Peace for Galilee War broke out, Ilan stood up for his right to take part in the battles, and at the beginning of July 1982 he was indeed drafted. On 1 Av, 21.7.1982, First Sergeant Ilan fell in combat in Lebanon during the Peace for Galilee War and was brought to rest in the military cemetery in Kiryat Shaul, leaving behind his parents, two brothers and three sisters. In a letter of condolence to the bereaved family, the Defense Minister wrote “Ilan was a humble soldier by nature, always helped his friends, never complained. His commanders trusted him and knew that every task he would be assigned would be carried out in full and in the best possible manner. His subordinates loved him and believed him, never disregarded his commands. He made sure to give them a personal example of his behavior.” The commander of his unit noted in his letter of condolence “Since his arrival in the battalion, Ilan has impressed his commanders and comrades with military knowledge and being a courageous and excellent commander.” His parents set up a Torah library in his memory, which was placed in a yeshiva in Petach Tikvah.