Shimko, Tamir

Son of Pnina and Yosef, was born on 14.1.1963 in Ness Ziona. Tamir’s childhood and youth were spent in Ashkelon, where he also attended the Ilanot Elementary School. Afterward, he moved with his family to Rishon Letzion, where he completed his studies in junior high and technical vocational schools. Tamir was a graduate of the first graduating class of the technical school. He has always achieved many achievements in his favorite field – the sport, and has been awarded certificates and medals. He used to go on long trips and runs, with a heavy backpack on his back. Tamir participated in the youth team of Rishon Lezion in handball. He loved nature and landscape, children and animals. In July 1981, Tamir was recruited to the IDF, where he volunteered for an elite unit, and underwent training as a marine diver, but later on he was transferred to the paratroopers, ninth. Tamir took part in the Peace for Galilee War and was promoted to sergeant. On his way home from Lebanon, a smoke grenade exploded inside the vehicle full of soldiers, in which Tamir drove. Tamir, who had almost choked on the smoke, hurried back to his unit before he recovered completely. On the 15th of Tamuz 5743 (June 15, 1983), his unit participated in a Saar exercise on targets in an open field, during which a mortar shell exploded, Tamir was hit by shrapnel and killed, and Tamir was laid to rest in the military cemetery. In Ness-Ziona, he left behind his parents, brother, and sister. The commander of his unit wrote about him in a letter of condolence to his family: “Tamir proudly represented the qualities that we value and appreciate: honesty, respect, help and love of others, and we remember his great determination to live and serve as a combat soldier. In his name a wave was established in Mitzpeh Ramon. Gilead overlooks Nahal Hava and the training area where he fell. It serves as a meeting place for professional and safe training sessions