Wolfson, Benjamin (Benny)
Son of Rivka and Avraham, was born on May 3, 1953 in Kibbutz Shamir in the Upper Galilee. My son studied 6 grades in the kibbutz elementary school, and then continued his studies at the Einot Hayarden educational institution near Kibbutz Amir. Since he was 15 years old, he worked during his free time in the kibbutz orchard. Benny showed great interest in real subjects, and excelled in his studies. From an early age he had a desire for perfection in everything he did. His talents were multifaceted, yet my son was modest and willing to contribute to the society in which he lived. He studied easily, and covered many subjects in his studies. While studying at the educational institution, he also taught youth and children in Kiryat Shmona. Benny was involved in cultural and social activities at the institution where he studied. He loved poetry – and even translated songs from English, loved music – and played the guitar. Benny also loved dance, and participated in three dance companies: Kiryat Shmona, Tzavta Galil and the Shalom 84 band. He loved sports, played volleyball, surfed the Hermon, and dived in the sea. On July 2, 1971, Benny joined the Israel Air Force as an apprentice in an aviation course, and completed his course as a pilot in the rank of lieutenant colonel. He rose to the rank of lieutenant, and was authorized to serve as a pilot. Benny completed his service in the regular army on July 11, 1977, with the rank of captain. He continued to fulfill his duties to the IAF. He made sure to report to his unit when he was called up for reserve duty, and on many flights. He divided his time between flying, participating in dance, sports and working groups in his kibbutz. In 1983, he decided to return to school. He began studying engineering at Tel Aviv University. His friends talked about the ease with which he absorbed the material. My son studied for two years, but did not complete his studies. On July 1, 1984, he was called up for reserve duty, for maneuvering a pilot held in front of Ashkelon beach. On the 11th of Tammuz 5747 (11.7.1984), exactly 7 years after he was discharged from the permanent army, an accident occurred on his plane. My son fell to the depths of the sea. He was 31 years old when he died. He was laid to rest in the military section of the Kibbutz Shamir cemetery. He left behind his parents and sister. His older brother, to whom he was related from his childhood, died in 1972. His family and friends published a collection of his son’s memory in which he raised the multifaceted image of his son. A scholarship fund was established in his name at Tel Aviv University
