Zafran, Yoel (Yossi)
Son of Yvette and Amram. Born on 29.5.1967 in Hadera, the family moved to Akko, where he studied at the Bialik Elementary School and continued his studies at the Dursky Ort High School. Yoel was a witty, sociable boy who excelled in his studies and organized social activities. He served as head of the student council at the school. In addition, he engaged in activities of a voluntary nature and dealt with the elderly. Yoel aspired to excel in all fields, in helping others and in personal relationships. He was an active member of the Scouts movement, in the nucleus that founded Kibbutz Haruv in the Golan, and served as a guide and later as the head of the tribe. When he reached the time he left, he left the Nahal Brigade and was drafted into the army in August 1984 and assigned to the infantry. Yoel underwent a course for squad commanders and was a good commander, who was chosen to train commanders. On the 19 th of Tevet 5746 (19.12.1985) Yoel participated with his unit in an exercise in the “live fire.” At the conclusion of the exercise and the conclusion of the lessons, due to the failure of his commander’s orders to execute, Yoel was brought to eternal rest in the military cemetery in Nahariya, leaving his parents, two sisters, Ruti and Hannah and Brother Gilad, in command of Yoel as a commanding officer who was able to instill in his subordinates the love for service. His functioning led to his rapid progress, and he soon became a platoon sergeant, overcoming medical limitations. The commander noted Yoel’s pleasant character and the concessions he was willing to make in order to stay with his subordinates. The platoon commander wrote in his memory about his command, his understanding of the solace of his soldiers, and his help in solving their personal problems. The deputy commander of the company wrote in his memory that it was important to Yoel that the tasks be carried out by virtue of recognition and will, not by routine. He labored to develop caring for his soldiers. The family published a pamphlet commemorating his memory, which included a letter of condolence from Kfar Haruv to the bereaved family, which stated, among other things, that Yoel was a central and active figure and a very popular member of the secretariat. A monument to his memory was erected at the site of his fall
