Peretz, Amotz

Amotz, son of Tzipora and Menahem, was born on May 15, 1953 in Kibbutz Ein Dor, where he studied at the elementary school, and later completed his studies in the kibbutz high school, and when he finished high school at the “Tavor” school in the kibbutz, he left for the thirteenth year of the educational movement of Hashomer Hatzair in Petach Tikva. When he was old he wanted to learn to play the cello. Amotz was drafted into the IDF in early 1972 and assigned to the Armored Corps. After completing various tank courses, he was sent to a tank commanders course. He was a good apprentice, devoted and diligent, and was able to achieve excellent performance and a great deal of proficiency in the subjects he had learned. When the Yom Kippur War broke out, the tank commanders’ course at the Armored Corps School was in its final stages. The apprentices were immediately assigned to various positions and sent to Sinai. On Sunday, October 7, Amotz left with a tank force to help the Milan stronghold on the canal line. After they joined forces with the Maoz residents, the order was made to leave the area and withdraw. During the retreat, the fighters encountered Egyptian commandos. The force retreated and part of it settled in an abandoned house in the city of Kantara. When it was decided to set up a guard house, Amotz left to guard. All through the night, between Sunday and Monday, Amotz stood by the window. The second day also passed and he was not replaced. The Egyptians discovered the hiding place and opened fire on it, and Amotz was the first to fall. For his fighting in those days, and for his devotion to the cause and the brotherhood of his soldiers, Amotz received a commendation from the commander of the command. For a long time, Amotz was considered missing. After his body was found, he was brought to eternal rest in the cemetery at Kibbutz Ein Dor. Survived by his parents, brother and two sisters. After his fall, he was given the rank of sergeant. His family and Beit Ein Dor published a booklet in his memory, which included the words of the family, friends and commanders about his character.