Steinloff, Michael

Son of Roza and Nathan Kaplan was born on January 1, 1942 in Paris. His birth was in the midst of World War II. His parents perished in the Holocaust, and he grew up in an orphanage until the age of five. After the war he was adopted by his aunt and uncle, the couple Shimon and Polt Steinloff, and from there he received his surname. He began his education at an elementary school in Paris. He continued to study in a vocational school, did not complete his studies and went to work in interior design, a profession he also worked in Israel. From an early age Michael practiced Judo and was a tennis fan. He was interested in scientific and intriguing literature, and on these subjects he had a large library at home. In 1969, Michael immigrated with his adoptive parents to Israel. The family settled in Beit Dagon, and Michael lived with them. He worked and made sure to support his parents, who had grown old. Michael was like a son, and did everything possible to ease their economic distress. When he was first summoned to serve in the IDF, his father was already sick and needed Michael’s treatment, so the IDF authorities agreed to postpone his enlistment. After the father died, he became even more attached to the adoptive mother, and in order not to part with her, he refused to marry and build a home for himself. He was fond of his friends, cheerful, always at the center of his social circle, respectful of his friends. In October 1972, Michael began his military service in the IDF during the Yom Kippur War, where he fought for three months, then returned to civilian service, changed professions, and worked as a private investigator and detective. On the 20th of Cheshvan 5743 (October 20, 1982), the day before he was about to be released from reserve duty, Michael fell during his service, at the age of 42 he was at his death. Michael was laid to rest at the military cemetery in Rishon Letzion. He left behind an adoptive mother. The commander of his unit wrote: “As soon as he entered the unit, Michael stood out with his great kindness and willingness to help his friends at all times, a smile always on his face, and he proved himself to be an excellent soldier. For every reading, and to sing with us in the Yom Kippur War “