Vaknin, Yaakov (Kobi)

Was born on September 29, 1973, in Tiberias, to Mordecai, Ronen, Yair and Michal, and grew up in Tiberias. He studied at the Ehrlich elementary school and at Amal High School, He was a footballer from the age of his youth until he was about twenty-six years old, loved to watch the games and did not lose a game.Kobi joined the IDF in January 1992 and served as a car examiner. After completing compulsory service, he joined the career army and served for another seven years. Kobi became religious and used to go to Torah lessons every day. He studied Torah with diligence and enthusiasm, and thanks to him thirty young men in the army put on phylacteries and pray every morning. Jacob returned many in repentance and at all times had with him books of Psalms and holy articles. He was a man of kindness and always helped others. Jacob loved everyone and supported his parents, whose financial situation was difficult, as did other families. To please his parents, he used to take them to the graves of the righteous. His sister Michal relates that Kobi used to drive acquaintances and relatives to their destination, and all with a warm smile and a broad smile. Kobi loved everyone equally and did not discriminate against anyone. He was a man of kindness and loved by people. He helped his brothers who studied in yeshivas because his parents could not do it. Sergeant Kobi fell in the course of his duty in a road accident that took place at the Nir Nir junction on July 17, 2002. He was twenty-nine years old when he fell. Survived by his parents, three brothers and a sister. Kobi was laid to rest at the Hazoreim cemetery in Tiberias.