Tayeb, Mark

Son of Gabi and Emil, he was born on June 16, 1957, in Paris, the capital of France, and immigrated with his parents to Israel in 1968. The family settled in Ashdod, and Mark began to study in the city’s schools. He successfully completed the Shikmim Elementary School and the Comprehensive High School – both in Ashdod. Mark was a sensitive, gentle, disciplined boy, quiet and introverted. Despite the difficulties of absorption in Israel and the language barrier, he became involved in Israeli society and was one of the guys. The love of Mark’s life was music. At the age of 13, Marek began to play guitar and studied piano. Due to his talents, he joined the high school band of musicians. He often listened to records, and his favorite bands were Pink Floyd and The Beatles. He also liked animals, and in his house he raised a pair of shepherd dogs. Mark belonged to the Scouts movement, first as a trainee and later as a counselor for the young class. He painted a lot and left behind a collection of paintings. Mark was drafted into the IDF in mid-September 1976, and volunteered to serve in the paratroop brigade. As a member of the Nahal Brigade, he was sent to Kibbutz Nahal Oz. After his stay in the kibbutz, he was attached to a combat unit, underwent a parachuting course, participated in Operation Litani, successfully completed a combat paramedics course and was transferred to the Medical Corps. Mark was awarded the Operational Service Award. In mid-January 1980, after three and a half years of devoted service, Mark was released from regular service. He began studying at the Technion preparatory program in Haifa. When the Peace for Galilee War broke out, Mark was called to active reserve duty. Towards the end of the service, on the 11th of Elul 5742 (August 30, 1982), Mark fell in the line of duty and was laid to rest at the military cemetery in Ashdod. After his death, he was promoted to corporal. Mark left behind his parents, brother and sister. In his letter of condolence to the bereaved family, his commander noted Mark’s great devotion, his volunteerism to his friends, and his excellence in fulfilling the tasks assigned to him. His family commemorated him with the establishment of a library in his name in the Ashdod Comprehensive School, where Mark studied.