Shaham, Shai

Shai, son of Rachel and Shaul, was born on April 19, 1952 in Kabri.Shai was drafted into the IDF in mid-August 1971 and volunteered to serve in a combat unit in the infantry. After a training period, he was assigned to a combat unit and was known for his courage and dedication. Yoni Netanyahu, who was his commander, said that when he saw Shai in uniform, he was surprised by his physical and mental ability. Stubbornness, wisdom, and understanding of the magnitude of his responsibilities helped him in moments of crisis. He gave his full energy to every operational activity and during the rest hours he took part in activities organized by his comrades in the unit. He participated in the “Summers”, played soccer, sang and spoke with his friends. “On every subject he always showed a uniform line of clear thought, and he knew exactly what he meant,” he said. When he came home for a short vacation, he made sure to spend time with his parents, his sisters, and his friends. When the Yom Kippur War broke out, his reconnaissance unit was sent to the northern front. Shai and his comrades-in-arms spent days and nights on patrols and security trips, and during the hours of the battle Shai’s greatness was revealed. A loyal friend was, and did everything to make it easier for his friends. On November 2, 1973, he was sent with his friends to rescue a group of paratroopers who had been stuck up the snowy Mount Hermon, and a snow storm had enthralled the paratroopers trapped at the top, causing Shay’s death only one kilometer before the target. In the cemetery of Kibbutz Kabri, where he left behind his parents and two sisters, and was promoted to the rank of First Sergeant