Serbiakov, Michael

Ben Ida and Michael. He was born on February 16, 1980 in Kyrgyzstan. He began his studies at School No. 13 in Kyrgyzstan and continued at No. 26 in Siberia, where he moved in 1994. When he was a boy, Michael was orphaned from his father. From the age of 16 to 18 he studied cooking in a professional college. After completing his studies, he worked for a while in a kindergarten, and in 1999 immigrated to Israel with his mother and sister Rita. The family settled in Tel Aviv. Michael studied Hebrew at an ulpan in Kibbutz Mishmar Hasharon, and at the end of his studies began working as a cook in a restaurant in Tel Aviv. Michael, Mishka in the mouth of his loved ones, loved to read, and from a young age read books on various subjects – was very interested in literature about the army, weapons and history and went on to science fiction books. He loved sports, and in his free time was involved in swimming and athletics. Michael loved animals very much, and in his home in Russia he lovingly treated a number of pets. In January 2001, Michael enlisted in the IDF and served as a soldier in a infantry battalion. His commander, Lt. Col. Amir, relates: “Despite the difficulties involved in immigrating to Israel, Michael was a proud man and did not ask for help even when he needed it, but he strove to fulfill his tasks in the best possible way. Aside from being an excellent and outstanding soldier, Michael was a devoted friend without any slag. He had never held a grudge, and it was clear that he was willing to help anyone. “On September 8, 2001, Michael drowned at Gordon Beach in Tel Aviv and was hospitalized at Ichilov Hospital in a difficult condition. On September 9, 2001, Michael died at the age of twenty-one and was promoted to corporal after his death. Michael was laid to rest in the Kiryat Shaul military cemetery. Survived by his mother and sister.