Toledano, Eliran

Son of Fanny and Yehoshua (Shuki). He was born on 14.11.1981 at Rambam Hospital in Haifa. He was the fifth child of his parents and lived in Kiryat Ata. Eliran, handsome, funny, smart and charming, spent most of his time with friends who wanted to be close to him. He was a friend of everyone. After finishing his high school studies, Eliran decided to postpone his recruitment and work at the Dead Sea Gardens in the Ein Bokek area. Eliran’s father had worked in the hotel for ten years. Eliran enjoyed his work as a waiter in the lobby of the hotel, and of course he met a lot of friends he had spent with them, traveling and enjoying, friends who stayed with them even after he left the hotel and joined the army. In November 2000, Eliran joined the IDF and was assigned to the Engineering Corps in the Avak Unit. During the entire period of the army, Eliran made sure to maintain contact with his friends from the beginning of the military track, which he parted from when he became commander. In addition, he maintained contact with all the friends from Poriah, Yavniel, Tel Aviv and the rest of the country. On weekends he would come home to say hello, eat Mama’s food and go out to visit the friends who live in the area. During vacations he would travel around the country for visits to friends and trips. Eliran, whose friends affectionately called him “Tully,” took advantage of every moment available for travel and entertainment. On 26 Elul, September 23, 2003, Eliran was killed while carrying out an operational accident at the Shadma base in Bethlehem, when a bulldozer mistakenly hit the checkpoint he was standing behind. He was twenty-two years old when he fell. Eliran was laid to rest at the military cemetery in Tiberias. Survived by his parents and six brothers. His commander, Asaf, eulogized him: “Eliran was an admired commander, who knew how to conquer the hearts of his soldiers because of his unique and extraordinary leadership … Even in difficult times, his soldiers who returned with him were smiling and enthusiastic. In the last months of his service, when he was offered a more convenient position, Eliran preferred to serve in combat with his soldiers and commanders, and believed that a combatant should contribute in every way. ” For full bio, see Hebrew.