Shlomovitch (Tavori), Naftali

Son of Yehudit and Shmuel. Born in Jerusalem on the first day of Rosh Hashana, October 5 ,1929. Naftali enlisted in the Palmach and moved to Ein Ha-Shofet. He participated in various strategic manuevers, such as the removal of weapons from the British army camp at Tel Litwinski. His mentor wrote about him: “it was not uncommen for Naftali to quote whole chapters from the Tanach by heart. Naftali was recruited for Palmach army training. His commander wrote that Naftali excelled in strength, courage, and joy of life. Naftali played the harmonica beautifully and more than once was able to lighten the heavy mood of his friends with his lilting music. On the 25th of Shvat 5708 (February 5, 1948), Naftali was sent by the Palmach to the port of Haifa to retrieve a tractor filled with illegal weapons. The Arabs, however, tipped the British off and Naftali was caught and detained. The moment the British guard turned around, Naftali attempted to escape with the tractor, hoping to save the valuable hidden weapons that were so vitally needed to protecet the Yishuv. The British guard saw and shot him, killing him in cold blood. They then took Naftalis watch and shoes. Before he died, Naftali managed to call out to his friends who cheered him from the distance, “don’t worry, it will be good” On the 25rd of Elul 5714 (23.9.1954) he was laid to rest in the military cemetery in Nachalt Yitzchak.