Shoham, Shay (Noah)

Son of Gershon and Hadassah. One of the founders of Kibbutz Mishmar Ha’emek. He was born on March 21, 1951 in Mishmar Ha’emek. He studied at the elementary school in his kibbutz and completed his studies at the high school in the Shomria educational institution in Mishmar Ha’emek. Shai stood out for his talents and became known as someone who succeeded in everything, without much effort, and his teachers always said that he “can do more but does only what is imposed on him.” Shai showed great talent for music. He played clarinet and was a member of the Kibbutzim orchestra. He loved to sing and formed a vocal band with his friends, which appeared at parties and holidays and was loved by all members of the kibbutz. The dance was also a hobby of Shai, who excelled in his performances in the kibbutz dance troupe and continued with them during his military service as well. Shai was an outstanding athlete and devoted many hours and great efforts to developing his fitness. He was mainly practicing gymnastics and gymnastics. But has also shown great talent in light athletics and swimming, and has participated in the Kinneret swimmers for many years. His friend, Ron, wrote to his parents: “Shai was an exemplary friend, an example of a cheerful and kind man, smiling from ear to ear, always willing to help and excel in everything he does. We were traveling around the country, and when there was a problem identifying a plant, a bird or a place – there was someone to turn to, Shai knew a great deal and when he did not know, he was interested and brought the answer. ” Upon completion of his studies Shai was invited to the Naval Commando unit and was one of the few who successfully passed these tests. At the end of 1969, Shay was drafted into the IDF and volunteered for the Navy – after completing basic training and completing his commanding officer training course, he was assigned to the naval commando unit and began his rapid promotion as a submarine. He participated in many dangerous flotilla operations and was evaluated as an excellent soldier. In a conversation with Shai, one of his friends told the Shayetet: “Shai was shy, at the beginning of the course we did not hear about him, we did not know who he was, he was silent, you did not hear from him about his personal problems. After five years of service in the naval commando unit, five years in which he advanced rapidly, he was promoted to the rank of captain and played a senior position in his unit. Wanted to finish his military service and return home. The commander of the naval commando unit urged him to continue, and the security department of Kibbutz Artzi accepted the proposal. In the end, Shai decided to surrender and committed himself to another year of service in the naval commando unit. Shai was preparing to marry his girlfriend Rachel. Immediately upon his release from the service and even set a date for their marriage. On Monday, October 10, 1975, just two weeks before his release from the IDF, Shai fell during his service. He was laid to rest in the cemetery in Mishmar Ha’emek. Survived by his parents and two sisters. His commander wrote to the bereaved parents: “Shai served in the most elite combat unit in the IDF. A unit in which a high personal ability, rare character traits and courage beyond what is accepted in society are required. Shai was doing all this with great success. Which brought him to the command level of the naval commando unit. Where he demonstrated excellent leadership and command. Shai also excelled in his modesty and his friends’ attitude and consideration for others. “His parents built a tennis court in Mishmar Ha’emek in memory of him and published a booklet in his memory, including his biography, his friends’ comments to the kibbutz and the Shayetet, and excerpts from his letters.