Sela, Joseph

Son of Malka and Moritz was born on July 21, 1952 in Tel Aviv. As a child, he moved with his family to Kiryat Gat, where he began to study at the Sprinzak Elementary School. After completing elementary and junior high school, he went to study at the Naval School in Mevo’ot Yam and chose the fishing department. Prior to his enlistment in the IDF, he trained in mechanics and trained himself to serve as an operator, and in October 1970 he enlisted in the IDF and served in the navy. Joseph underwent training in basic training, was sent to a series of professional courses as an engine mechanic and was assigned to serve at the naval base in Haifa. In January 1972, he was awarded the rank of corporal, and was promoted to sergeant a year later. The opinion of his commanders at the time was that: “Yosef fulfilled his position to full satisfaction, he is disciplined, devoted, shows a desire for progress and an initiative to continue in responsible positions in the corps.” In November 1973, after the Yom Kippur War, he began serving as a mechanic in the Israel Defense Forces, and in January 1973 he underwent advanced training as a equipment mechanic and was promoted to the rank of Staff Sergeant. He was then transferred to a naval base in Eilat. In March 1975 he married Sarah and that same year he began serving in the air force at the Etzion base as a ground equipment mechanic. His job was to handle emergency equipment and operate the airfield lighting for landing. He received advanced training as a equipment mechanic, and in February 1978 he was awarded the rank of major sergeant, and was the only one of his rank. 21.11.1983), who was on his way to inspect lighting equipment at the Uvda airport, before landing at night, while he crashed into a car in front of him and was killed at the age of 31. He was laid to rest in the military section of the cemetery in Eilat and left a wife, The commander of his unit wrote in a letter of condolence to his family: “Dear Joseph, he found his death at the Ivda Air Force Base. He served for many years in the IAF, on the same wing, and always excelled in dedication, loyalty and devotion to the tasks assigned to him, or he volunteered and took upon himself. Joseph has many friends in the IAF. He had a popular personality that radiated around her. Stood out in his aspiration for perfection, with great responsibility and praiseworthy maturity. His character will serve as a model and his spirit is drawn to continue the mission that Yosef has taken upon himself – in an unreserved service for the homeland “