Stavi, Yosef (Yossi)

Yosef (Yossi) and his twin, born to Mazal and Shaul, was born on 12.11.1951 in Moshav Zitan. In the first days of the twins’ line of health, the doctors almost gave up their lives. His twin died but Yossi recovered quickly. He was drafted into the IDF in early February 1970 and volunteered to serve in the Engineering Corps. After a training period, he was assigned to a field unit of the IAF and was considered a responsible and dedicated soldier for his position and loved by his comrades. He was awarded the Operational Service Award for his part in the operational activities of his unit. In August 1973, Yossi was released from regular service and had not even been called up for reserve duty. When the Yom Kippur War broke out, he was not called to enlist. He wandered around his house and even his mother could not calm him down. After a day he could no longer bear the situation. He went out to look for his unit after he kissed his mother and said good-bye to her. For two days he wandered around Haifa in search of his unit but did not give up and finally found his way to his friends. His unit participated in various operations as part of the battles in Sinai. On October 17, 1973, a shell hit a barge that he had served while crossing the canal. The barge exploded and Yosef was badly burned. For about three weeks he fought for his life, and on 13 November 1973 he died of his wounds. He was laid to rest in the cemetery in Rehovot. He was survived by a mother, six brothers and five sisters. After his fall, he was promoted to corporal. In a letter of condolence to the bereaved family, his commander wrote: “Yossi was among the people who stood at the center of the IDF’s effort in this war. Thanks to him and his friends we managed to transfer the war to the enemy’s land and to push its soldiers beyond the borders of our country. He was a model soldier and a loyal friend. “