Yifrach, Shlomo

Shlomo, son of Sarah and Moshe, was born in 1952. In 1955 he immigrated to Israel with his family, who settled in Moshav Geffen, where he completed his elementary studies at the Gefen Tirosh religious public school and later went to high school in the “Even HaEzer” neighborhood in Moshav Naham. Shlomo also underwent a mechanical course and helped his parents in all the farm jobs, and his parents worked hard and did their best to give their children a warm, loving and caring home and encouragement for mitzvot and good deeds. Shlomo was drafted into the IDF in mid-February 1971. After completing basic training he completed a number of professional courses with honors and was appointed as a half-track driver. He excelled in this position and was promoted. He served in the southern region for a long time, and even received the “Operational Service Award”. Shlomo loved his work and his knowledge of mechanics was instrumental in fulfilling his duties. After a while, his commander appointed him to be in charge of the vehicle and the driver’s unit. He was a very experienced driver, and his friends used to say that “Going with him on a trip to the half-track was like going out on a pleasure journey.” He was a loyal and dedicated friend, and he became friends with another moshav member and member of the kibbutz and together they were an inseparable trio. Mickey said in a condolence letter to his parents: “From the very first moment I saw him in the unit, I made friends with him. He was the most positive and the best. We were like brothers. In a bloody battle that took place on the 28th of Tishrei 5734 (24.10.1973) Shlomo fell when he tried to rescue the wounded. His half-track was hit directly by an anti-tank shell and he was killed. He was brought to eternal rest in the cemetery on Mount Herzl. Survived by his parents and ten brothers and sisters. His parents donated a Torah scroll to commemorate his name.