Sela, Arie (Norbert)

Son of Julie and Mordechai, was born on January 23, 1955, in Tunisia. He was three months old when he immigrated with his parents to Israel. The family settled in Ofakim in the Negev. Even at a young age, Aryeh discovered his skills in math and math. He entered the “HaGivah” elementary school in Ofakim. He excelled at his studies and helped his friends with their lessons. Aryeh finished elementary school with honors, especially in the real professions. He continued his studies at the agricultural school in Mikveh Israel. He loved agricultural work in the cowshed and orchards, loved sports, mainly soccer, was part of the Hapoel soccer team of Ofakim and continued to work in this group during his studies at Mikveh Israel. After completing his studies at Mikvah Israel, he moved to the IAF Technical School in Haifa, where he studied mechanical electronics. In May 1973, he enlisted in the IDF. He was trained in Golani and was sent to a squad commanders’ course. In January 1974, he was promoted to the rank of Corporal, and his rank and position was quick, and he was sent to the course of the “Explosive Systems” and was awarded the rank of sergeant. The opinion of his commanders was: “He is serious, plays his role wisely, a soldier of an adult character, shows a responsible attitude to turn him around … against a very positive, highly valued, very effective performer.” He completed his regular army service in the rank of sergeant, volunteering to serve in the regular army, and was sent to the course of sergeants in January 1977. At the end of the course he was promoted to the rank of master sergeant and was assigned as a professional officer in charge of discipline in the IAF squadron. During the entire period of his service he was very involved in the life of the squadron and was a great help to the trio. In December 1982, he discovered a malignant disease. He underwent a series of tests, treatments and surgery, and for two and a half years he struggled for his life until the illness overwhelmed him. On the first day of Pesach, 15 Nissan 5745 (April 6, 1985), he died. He was 30 when he died. Aryeh was laid to rest in the military section of the Ofakim cemetery. He left behind a wife, two daughters, parents, brother and sister. The commander of his unit wrote in a letter of condolence to his family: “Aryeh grew and developed with the development of the base, and since he was stationed at the base he was discovered as a young man with a Lev of gold, as well as his friends, subordinates and commanders. The level of discipline in the unit and performed his duties impeccably Even during the difficult days of his illness he insisted on taking part in the events of the unit “