Ofer, Hagai

Son of Suzy and Jacob, was born on the first day of Sukkot, 10.10.1946, at Kibbutz Shamir in the Upper Galilee. In November 1965, Hagai enlisted in the IDF, and his ambition as a child was fulfilled, and he was sent to a course in the IAF, but for physical reasons, he left the course. After completing his regular service, Hagai married a wife and began to work as a teacher in Ramot Hashavim. He built his home in Ra’anana, where his two children were born. At the same time, Hagai continued to maintain close contact with his kibbutz and his parents, and frequently visited them. It was an interim period for him. He continued to serve in the reserves, but continued to dream of serving as a pilot in the career army, and his dream came true in March 1971. He successfully passed a pilot course and was awarded the rank of lieutenant colonel. In March 1973, he was promoted to lieutenant. At the same time, Hagai was posted as a trainer in courses for liaison and a tour of a flying school. The opinion of his commanders was: “He is thorough, motivated, positive, motivated, active.” He initiated a training system, set up and organized it. Hagai was noted for this by his commanders. For about ten years he was involved in training and preparing cadets for pilots. In March 1979, when he completed the command and staff course, he was awarded the rank of Major. In July 1980, Hagai took off in a Dakota plane for a low-altitude navigation training flight in the Ketziot area of ​the Negev. The plane hit the hill and fell. The four crew members died, including Hagai. He was 33 years old when he died. He was laid to rest at the military cemetery in Ra’anana. Hagai left behind a wife, son, daughter, parents, brother and two sisters.years. “