Salomon, Roni

Son of Shulamit and Moni was born on July 16, 1956, in Kibbutz Alumot to a family of immigrants from Eden, where he studied at the Nachshonim elementary school and at the Hashmonaim school in his hometown. In 1974 Roni joined the IDF and served in the Armored Corps. After undergoing basic training, he was sent to a tank driver course and an artillery course. In October 1975, Roni was promoted to the rank of sergeant, and was sent to the Armored Corps course in August 1976 and was awarded the rank of lieutenant colonel. Roni was in command of a tank division, and under his leadership the department became consolidated and professional. His commanders noted him: “He is an officer with a good understanding in the field and in the professional sphere, shows ability to perform, has the ability to organize.” Roni completed his regular service in October 1977 and volunteered to serve in the regular army until November 1978. After completing his military service, he began studying accountancy at the university. He also worked as head of the Civil Guard in Bat Yam. Roni married his girlfriend Cami, whom he met during his military service, and together established their home in Bat-Yam. When the Peace in Galilee War broke out Roni went with his platoon to Lebanon, fought in the eastern sector, and on June 10, 1982, he ran a difficult battle with a Syrian tank unit, and in the first stage succeeded in destroying a Syrian tank, but was wounded. On 1 Tamuz, 22 June 1982, Roni died of his wounds. He was 26 years old when he fell. He was laid to rest at the military cemetery in Holon. He left behind a wife, parents, two sisters, and a brother. Defense Minister Ariel Sharon wrote in a letter of condolence to his family: “Lieutenant Ron gave his life for his homeland, he fell near the Bekaa Valley, he was an elementary officer, a brave fighter and a beloved commander.”