Shivak, Itai

The eldest son of Esther and my people. He was born in Hod Hasharon on September 23, 1968. He studied at the Brenner elementary school at the “Sharett” junior high school and at the ORT high school in Kfar Saba, His childhood classmate described him as an introverted, quiet little boy who, despite his external strength, was pleasant and sensitive, and his friends knew that it was possible to trust Itai, who was a warm boy in his youth. His love was motorcycles, he loved to play an organ, and he used to play his beloved songs with his family On February 10, 1987, he was drafted into the IDF, And a soldier in the infantry brigade of the Givati ​​Brigade, who had already been assigned to serve in one of the battalions since the beginning of his career as a soldier who was responsible and dedicated and performed every task efficiently. After a period of training in the battalion and participating in operational activities, he was sent to continue his combat training in a course for infantry commanders, who received the rank of sergeant and returned to the regiment, a soldier who served under his command. “And not because of the rank or position, by virtue of his personality – a perfect commander, who gives an example to his soldiers.” For many months he served with me in Gaza. He was a leader in patrols and pursuits. Itai did not like the service in the Gaza Strip. He felt uncomfortable when he faced elderly people or small children. According to the soldiers who served with him, he had amazing contrasts: his ability to understand his subordinates, the kindness he had with them, sometimes soft. At the same time, he was tough. On his image as a tough commander, he explained to his parents: “In order for me to look into my parents’ eyes, if something happens to my soldier …” In response to the anxiety at home for his life and his well-being, he replied: “After all, someone has to keep kindergarten children in kibbutzim in the north.” On Saturday, September 9, 1989, at 18:17, a combat soldier from the Dalia outpost headed towards the ambush in Lebanese territory, who was surprised by the firing of a rocket and a grenade. And was killed by a shrapnel in the neck that killed his life, and one of the terrorists was killed, and was brought to rest in the military section of the Ramot Hashavim cemetery on Sunday, 10.9. 1989. Survived by his parents and two brothers, Shuki and Shachar, then Minister of Defense Yitzhak Rabin wrote to the bereaved family: “Staff Sergeant Itai Shivak gave his life for his homeland. “A letter of condolence to the bereaved family was written by the commander of the unit:” His friends and commanders remember the devotion, the tenacity and the striving for perfection Who were at the same time performing the missions … his deep curiosity to understand every goal … his great image still hangs in the battalion. ” His family published the memorial book “Itai”.