Schatz, Avner

Avner, son of Miriam and Nehemiah, was born on February 21, 1953. Avner was drafted into the IDF in early December 1971 as part of a nucleus of Nahal settlers. Even when he was at school, he decided to volunteer for the paratroopers, for he saw it as an appropriate contribution to the people and to the Zionist ideas that had been nurtured in their light. After basic training, he successfully completed a parachuting course and was awarded “Paratrooper Wings”. He passed a brigade commander course in the Paratroops and was assigned to serve as a platoon sergeant in the paratroopers’ battalion. Avner has a natural leadership. He never raised his voice to a soldier, but his orders were filled with precision and perfection. The platoon commander testified that when the training was difficult, the number of hours of sleep was reduced and the pressure increased and threatened to break into the gaps in the ward, Avner was the glue that would tie the cracks. He took care of the details and made sure that his soldiers were given everything they deserved, in order to make things easier for them. His workday began at dawn and ended late at night, and he had enough food, training equipment, and ammunition. He had great patience and devoted many hours to talking with soldiers to learn the personal problems of every soldier and soldier, and did his best to assist in their solution. His commanders trusted him and his soldiers believed in his strength and were ready to follow him without hesitation in every battle and action. During the Yom Kippur War, his unit participated in the battles against the Syrians in the Golan Heights. On the 7th of Tishrei 5740 (October 7, 1973), it was reported that a large force of the Syrian army was attacking our soldiers at the observation post at Tel Saki. Of course, Avner was ordered to prepare the APCs and organize the rescue force, Avner and his soldiers went to the mound and entered into a battle with the Syrians, and Avner was gunned down by his soldiers, who were moving towards the Syrians until he was hit and killed. Left behind his parents, seven brothers and two sisters, and was promoted to the rank of First Sergeant.