Ben Marina and Felix. He was born on 22.5.1982 in St. Petersburg (Leningrad), Russia, the former Soviet Union. Jan grew up in a warm and supportive home. From an early age, he was curious about how devices work and felt the need to check how they work and what they are composed of. This tendency has increased over the years and has become truly scientific. Jan began his elementary studies (grades 1 and 2) in his hometown, and at the end of August 1990 immigrated with his family to Israel. He continued his studies in Herzliya, where the family lived. He entered third grade at the Herzl elementary school, went on to the junior high school “Reut” and completed his high school studies at the “Jubilee” high school, where he naturally studied science and robotics. On the absorption and integration process, the physics teacher says: “In the 10th grade, a bright, pale-skinned boy came to life, shy and restrained, and in the twelfth grade a bright-skinned graduate with a pink, loose and gentle life emerges from school. … his hand extended to help and do. … A gentle boy who knew the limits and even if he allowed himself to be released or inadvertently departs from the manners, he would look down a little sheepishly, as if to say sorry. “During his studies, Jan participated in two unique projects in the robotics – Robo says that Yan always knew how to define the problem and present an original solution, but when a software problem arose, he also volunteered to help there, making a unique personal contribution to the success of the project. -The covenant returned and laden with experiences. Yan’s hobbies included computers, billiards, cars and motorcycles, but above all he had great personal and social qualities. He was the living spirit among friends, always at the center of things, organizing and initiating activities, parties and picnics, enjoying falling apart at discos and of course spending many hours in the snooker halls. Jan was a true friend who knew how to support and support, to listen attentively and to encourage and to engage in deep, soul-searching conversations into the night. One of his close friends says: “Jan was a partner for the happy moments of my life, and especially – Jan proved his friendship during the most difficult times, and Jan was the ultimate friend who was generous and willing to help. , “Certainly”, “where” and “when.” He always helped, not only his close friends, but anyone who asked for it from him, and the girl treated him like a first-rate gentleman and was willing to give it all for her. ” Ten days after the last matriculation exam, at the end of July 2000, Yan enlisted in the IDF and during the basic training he volunteered for an elite unit in the engineering corps – the Yahalom reconnaissance unit – and after successfully passing the acceptance test began the training course that lasted for a year and a half. The way he went: “The beginning of your career in the unit was not easy, you dealt with personal challenges both in the track and in the stream. Many others would give up and fold but not you! With the same determination, thoroughness, utter seriousness that is always mixed with a mischievous smile you insisted and wanted to know what was wrong, how to change and how to improve. You have come a long way before finally settling in naturally as one of the most professional team commanders the unit knew. You always knew to ask if you needed help or whether there was anything else to do. Everything you have done has been done in exemplary perfection. No matter what the mission, no matter what the hour, always approached every challenge with the seriousness and seriousness that always characterized you. You were right to do it and not just – but in the best possible way, as if you were writing the order. “Yan’s friends in the unit testify that he was one of the professionals in the faction,” Number 1 Amitai. “Ruthie, always happy to help, talks about every subject in the world and aspires to perfection. If something did not seem to him, or did not agree with the way he behaved, he would not spare the censor and would not relax until he achieved his goals. His fellow citizens respected him as the only fighter among the members and always cared for him. Yan completed three years of regular service and in July 2003 he entered permanent service. On his last mission, he embarked on his own initiative: When the suspicion arose that a cargo area on the northern border had entered the office of the commander of the ship, he asked to take on the task of evacuating the arena. His request was met and Jan took his crew to the western sector of the northern border, commanding a D-9 armored bulldozer. Jan fell on 19.1.2004 during an operational activity near Zarit, on the Lebanese border, while he was engaged in the task of neutralizing the explosive charge area. An anti-tank missile launched by Hizbullah from Lebanese territory hit a bulldozer that he commanded, and was hit by a heavy hit, and the IDF and MDA ambulances and helicopters were also hit. Jan died of his wounds on his way to the hospital in Nahariya. He was 21 years old when he fell. He was laid to rest at the military cemetery in Herzliya. Survived by his parents and brother Michael. After his death he was promoted to the rank of sergeant. “We are all here, one large family, stunned and hurt … It is inconceivable for us to speak of you in the past tense … Some of us still have trouble digesting … and now we stand here stunned, . ” A member of the unit wrote: “… when a tree is cut off, the familiar trunk remains like Gilad to what it used to be.” When life is cut off, and even more so, A memory of a true volunteer, out of a desire to contribute and influence, a memory of a sly smile, a memory of rolling laughter, memories of joy, pleasure , Anger and pain … So Jan, tell me, what do you do with a friend like you, what do you do with your death, with the memory of your being, that you are 20 years old … “
