Shmuel, Boaz

Son of Esther and Menachem, he was born on October 30, 1961 in Jerusalem, grew up in Hadera and Petach Tikva, attended elementary schools in Hadera and Ein Ganim in Petach Tikvah. Boaz completed his studies in the agricultural school in Pardes Hannah and joined the Nahal Brigade, but before joining the IDF he left the nucleus and preferred to serve in a regular combat unit. Boaz had a sensitive soul, loved man, the land and nature. He loved birds and fish, and loved to travel, and at a young age Boaz “walked” through the country on his tours, knew every place, every bird and every plant by name. In February 1980, Boaz joined the IDF and served in the Golani Brigade. Because of his special qualities, it was only natural for him to seek to serve as a combat medic. He was sent to a paramedics course. In May 1981, Boaz was promoted to the rank of Corporal, who continued to pursue his profession as a paramedic, was promoted to the rank of sergeant and served as a company medic. He went to war with deep faith and righteousness, but as a combat medic he wondered a great deal about the cost of war in human life. On the day of 15 Av 5742 (August 4, 1982), his unit was caught in a heavy artillery fire. One of the soldiers was wounded and Boaz ran to get him out of the field, and an enemy shell hit him, killing him. He was 21 years old, and he was laid to rest in the military cemetery in Petach Tikva. He was commended and promoted to the rank of Staff Sergeant. Defense Minister Ariel Sharon wrote in a letter of condolence to his family: “First sergeant Boaz Shmuel gave his life for his homeland, and always took care of his comrades.” The commander of his unit wrote to his family: “If there is a noble expression of the love of the homeland, friendship to death, devotion and all the virtues of man – nine measures were taken by your son … In his simple manner, in his innocence and honesty, he embodied the sense of life and his being. It is not the words that are important, but the content, the human content, that led Boaz to acts of heroism and rare and soulful sacrifice, and that a man, a soldier, a combat medic and another wounded soldier, were seen under fire, courageously and bravely, Such a heart, until it was decided and he fell – as a conclusion to the chord of death. His friends owe him their lives.”