Shinan (Sheinaski), Uzi

Son of Giora and Tamara. Born on 18.11.1931 in the Jordan Valley (his parents, members of the kibbutz, were in the “Kinneret Courtyard” on the shores of the Kinneret Sea.) On his fourth birthday, the members boarded Afikim, their new settlement point. He studied at the “Mikveh Israel” agricultural school and was a member of the “HaNoar HaOved” movement, while at Mikveh Israel he bought agricultural news in practical terms and studied in the plantation industry, and showed great interest in growing trees At the beginning of the War of Independence, Uzi and his comrades defended the place in a Palmach class and took part in the battles in the area. With the Syrian invasion of the Jordan Valley and the worsening of the situation there, Uzi evaded school and three days later came to Afikim in order to participate in the defensive war of the local people, and then served under the command of his father (Lt. Col. Giora Shanan) But even at the end of the truce Manoach did not know how to get the kibbutz’s consent to enlist in the IDF – and he was then 17. In 1949, those who were high school students were able to complete their studies, and Uzi and his friends returned to Mikveh Israel When he reached the age of enlistment, he joined the Nahal Brigade, took a course in the Military Police, the first course in the Nahal Brigade, and ended up serving as a new commander’s guide. As Sayar he participated in Operation Ovda (March 6-10, 1949). This was the operation in which our people took control of the southern Negev and of Eilat, and Uzi spent tours around Eilat even after its conquest. During his course he decided to change his name from “Shinansky” to “Shanan” – and issued a request from the command headquarters to publish the announcement of the change of name. Uzi did not give up his dream of going home and working in the vineyard – a job for which he trained himself in the agricultural school. However, it was not given to him that on the ninth of Tevet 5711 (8.12.1950), when he was performing his duties, he fell and was brought to eternal rest in the cemetery in Afikim, where several factories were commemorated: a) On Tu B’Shvat, The first year of its fall began with the planting of the “Kerem Uzi”, which covers 25 dunams; B) Inside the school of the command, “Beit Hashasha” (in memory of Uzi and his friends) was established – with large rooms for study, reading, study and lectures; (C) The winning team of the NAHAL commanding team is awarded a trophy trophy in its name; (d) A year is given to the student of the Mikveh Israel agricultural school who completes his studies; (e) On the tenth anniversary of his death Booklet published in memory.