Reuven Hacohen, Shmuel

Son of Shoshana and Eliahu HaCohen, was born on 28.8.1956 in Yavne. Shmuel was the eldest son of a traditional family that had immigrated from Tunisia. He began his studies at Bialik Elementary School, where he studied for five years. Shmuel continued to study at the “Moledet” school, and after graduating from middle school he moved to a vocational school and specialized in car maintenance. In June 1974, about six months before his enlistment, Shmuel was orphaned from his father, and he became the head of the family and took care of his mother and his younger siblings. In May 1976, Shmuel was promoted to corporal. After his discharge from the army, he returned to his job as an electrician, and his ambition was to establish himself in life and secure the livelihood of his family. In July 182, he was called to reserve duty in Lebanon. The convoy was parked overnight near the town of Kahala and a terrorist squad entered the parking lot and opened fire on the soldiers. Shmuel was wounded and died in the hospital on the 16th of Av, on August 4, 1982. He was 26 years old when he fell, and he was laid to rest in the military section of the cemetery in Yavne. Shmuel was survived by his mother, two brothers and two sisters. Defense Minister Ariel Sharon wrote a condolence letter to his family, “Corporal Shmuel Reuven gave his life for his country. He was an excellent soldier and fulfilled his duties efficiently.” The commander of his unit wrote to his family “Your son Shmuel served the brigade faithfully and devotedly, and performed his duties in the best possible way, until his last day. He volunteered for every mission with love.” A Torah scroll was donated in his name to the Ohel Moshe synagogue in Yavne.