Salilit, Raphael (Rafi)

Son of Esther and Joseph, he was born on August 11, 1961 in Kiryat Binyamin, Haifa Bay. From the age of four he grew up with his father and grandmother, and the special conditions in his family influenced his character and way of life. On the one hand he was a sociable boy, warm and sensitive, and on the other he pretended to be tough and firm. He attended the Sprinzak Elementary School in Kiryat Binyamin. After graduating, he moved to the International High School in Kiryat Haim, in the field of cooling and air conditioning. Rafi was a good student, quiet, modest, restrained in his reactions, rarely talking about himself, his family or his ambitions. He was handsome and attracted attention in his appearance. He loved to travel, especially on the beaches of the Red Sea. The expanses of the desert, the clear waters and the atmosphere of freedom appealed to him. He was a sports fan and played football. He loved music, especially the country songs, and in his room he collected a variety of records. Prior to joining the IDF, he volunteered for an elite unit, naval commando or paratroopers, and in November 1979 he enlisted in the IDF and made an appointment for an interview with the navy command, but for health reasons he was rejected. He was assigned to the Golani Brigade, underwent a basic training course and was sent to a course for armored personnel carriers, after which he underwent summer and winter training and embarked on operational activities. The joy of his arrival in the unit was great and along with his friends, On 16 Tamuz, July 6, 1982, while riding in an APC near the Beirut airport, he was hit by a shell and killed, along with three other soldiers from his company. He was 21 when he died. After he fell, he was promoted to Corporal. Rafi was laid to rest in the military cemetery in Haifa, and left behind his parents and brother. “Your son Rafi served his people loyally and with devotion. He went according to the order of the nation, to protect the security of Israel and its citizens. The good son gave his life to a just and noble goal, to ensure life and peace.” Defense Minister Ariel Sharon wrote:” Raphael is considered a veteran soldier with experience in the battalion, giving his friends confidence and giving them a personal example of professionalism and behavior during difficult times. Played a central role in the life of the company and was admired by all.” The commander of his unit wrote:” He was a devoted, professional and trained soldier who underwent a lot of training and professional work. One not have to say much to him for him understand what he was being told. He gave a good, smiling atmosphere.” His father published a pamphlet in his memory.