Sklar, David

Son of Hayah and Herbert. He was born on June 4, 1962, in Philadelphia, United States, where David began his studies in his native country and completed three elementary school classes. At the age of 9, David immigrated to Israel with his mother and sister. The family settled in Herzliya, where he continued his studies at the Brenner elementary school, and his mother, who fulfilled her Zionist aspirations to immigrate to Israel, raised her children in the spirit of Zionism. He stood out in his gentleness and influenced his behavior with his friends in class and at school. David devoted himself to sports activities, was a member and instructor of the Scouts movement, and read and listened to music. In August 1980, David enlisted in the Israel Defense Forces, and in April 1981 he was promoted to the rank of Commander in the Armored Corps. Cpl. When the Peace for Galilee War broke out, David was with the force that attacked the fortifications of the terrorists and broke into Lebanon. He continued the battle course until he arrived with his unit to the southern outskirts of Beirut. On the 15th of Tamuz 5742 (July 5, 1982), during heavy artillery shelling by the enemy, his tank was hit and he was wounded by mortal wounds. He was 20 years old. David was laid to rest in the military section of the Ma’alot cemetery. He left behind his parents and sister. In his honor, a Torah library was established in Yeshivat Ma’alot in his hometown. Trees were planted in the forest of the defenders of the Jewish National Fund. Defense Minister Ariel Sharon wrote in a letter of condolence to his family: “Sergeant David Sklar gave his life for his homeland, fell south of the Beirut airport, served in the Armored Corps, and was highly respected for his ability and desire to be a fighter.” The commander of his unit wrote to his mother: “A wonderful and special young man was David in our eyes. … We, the commanders and soldiers who survived, will not forget David. We must thank and deeply appreciate you and other mothers, that sons like David were raised in this way and were brought up such.”