Tzur, Ben Zion (Benny and Bentzi)

Son of Avraham and Penina. He was born on the 4th of Cheshvan, October 18, 1947, in Haifa. His parents were Zionist pioneers, and was one of the first volunteers in World War II. At the age of six, Ben Zion began studying at the Leo Beck School, for elementary school, and to the Reali School, where he graduated high school. In his youth, he was active in the Scouts movement in Gadna, and participated in every social event. He had distinguished himself in his talents for playing accordion, and his unique and successful approach to amateur performances and poetry. A few months before he was drafted, he applied for a military band, was examined and accepted. At the end of his high school studies, he was not yet eighteen years old, but he insisted that his parents sign his early enlistment, so that he could join the ranks of the IDF. He was drafted into the IDF in the summer of 1965, and underwent various courses of reconnaissance commanders. After a year of intensive service and training, he was appointed sergeant. He would say, “Do not worry about me, Mom, You must be proud that you have a son here.” His attitude toward the state and its problems were characterized by pride and courage. In the battle for the fortified fortress of al-Jirdi (in Muwabat al-Arish), on the 26th of Iyar, June 5, 1967, a jeep was hit by a tank shell, and Ben Zion, and two of his friends, were killed. He was buried in the Military Emergency Cemetery in Baery. He was later transferred to the military cemetery in Haifa. His parents set up a science library and auxiliary equipment in the biology school. A pamphlet, in his memory bearing his name, was published by his classmates. In the booklet “Armored Patrol”, which was published by Kfar Menachem, in memory of the fallen soldiers of the commando unit, a chapter was devoted to his memory. A chapter, in his memory, was also written in a booklet published in memory of Shaul Groag, the commander of the jeep, and Ben Zion’s name was also included in a booklet, published by the Yifat group, in memory of Yoram Abulnik.