Neustadt, Raphael (Rafi)

Ben Dina and Lazaro. Born on 17.8.1969 in Haifa, son of a single family member, raised and educated in his hometown, studied at the David Yellin School, continued to study at the Municipal High School and completed high school in the brigade In the WIZO school. He loved the sea and the sports activity associated with it. From a very young age, he participated in swimming and playing ball games and was involved in water-change. He even participated in a training course for rescuers and served as an amateur lifeguard in the Maccabi pool. In his youth he was a social justice seeker, a naturalist who wanted to live in a kibbutz. He was a member of the Hashomer Hatzair movement and was active in the Carmel branch. Along with his intensive activities in the youth movement and marine sports, he found a way to devote his time to musical pursuits. Was an enthusiastic collector of various kinds of records and held protest songs, classical music and jazz. He joined the IDF in January 1988, and as part of the Nahal Brigade he belonged to he went to a combat paramedics course. After completing the course he served as a combat medic. He fell during his service on the 14.1.1990 near Kibbutz Kishor on the Acre-Carmiel road and was brought to eternal rest in the military cemetery in Haifa. Survived by his parents, three brothers – Michael, Yehoshua and David and a sister – Sylvia. In a letter of condolence to the bereaved family, his commander wrote about Rafi’s professional ability in training, navigating and providing the necessary medical care. In addition, he noted in particular his high moral standing during his service in the territories.