Shalit, Yonathan (Yoni)

Son of Clara and Federico. He was born on the 13th of Adar I 5733 (13.2.1973) in Nazareth Illit. A year earlier, his parents and brothers immigrated to Israel from Argentina. A second son of a four-boy family. When Yoni was a year old, the family did not have the difficulties of absorption in Israel and returned to Buenos Aires. Yoni studied at the Shalom Aleichem-Bialik Elementary School and at the Commercial 30 School in the economics track. He participated in the activities of the Jewish Community Center Ivri Yona and was elected president of the youth in the community. In 1989, the family returned to Israel and built their home in Nazareth Illit. Yoni joined the Hebrew ulpan, where he acquired the language fluently and continued his studies at Moshe Sharett high school, in Electronics. Later, he chose to study in the humanities and in all the matriculation exams. In addition to his studies, Yoni spent his time in the youth organization “Ofakim Hadashim”, which was established by new immigrants from Argentina, first as a guide and later as chairman of the movement. . Yoni believed in himself and in his way and everything he took on himself performed perfectly. Always thorough, serious and responsible and at the same time full of smiles, very cheerful and bright to everyone. He expressed his love for the joy of youth: “Whoever does not smile wastes his life.” He was surrounded by friends and friends who always felt his warm personality, his desire and dedication to help, encourage and support. Yoni loved Israeli music, especially the songs of Shlomo Artzi. He loved Israel, felt a strong attachment to the state and traveled extensively throughout the country. At the beginning of August 1992, Yoni was drafted into the army and was sent to serve in the “Alon” company. Already in basic training, he was chosen to go to a paramedics course and graduated with honors. In November 1993, Yoni was sent to a basic officers’ course, and ended up as a model apprentice. He went on to continue his special training in the medical corps course, and was ordained a medical organization officer. Yoni was assigned to the position of Chief of Staff in the “Pillar of Fire” team, and Yoni did not limit himself to the position of commander of the Armored Corps in an operational company. He preferred a combat role with many challenges. His request was denied, because Yoni was assessed as a high-level KAR and his request was not suited to IDF needs. He remained in his post, hoping that after a while his request would be fulfilled. Yoni identified himself with the role and loved his military service. When visitors from Argentina arrived in Israel, he tried to persuade them to immigrate to Israel and serve in the IDF On 20 February 1995, Yoni was killed while carrying out his navigational exercise at Nevatim South. He volunteered to participate in the exercise, in which he was a navigator. The jeep he commanded was overturned and Yoni was killed on the spot. He was laid to rest in the military cemetery in Nazareth Illit. Survived by his parents and three brothers – Pedro, Jorge and Fabian. He was twenty-two years old when he fell. After his death he was granted the rank of lieutenant. In a letter of condolence to the bereaved family, the unit commander wrote: “Yoni served in the unit for a year and did his job very well and with high motivation … A smile is always appreciated by his commanders, a beloved among his friends and friends …”