Zeir, Yechiel (Hilik)

Ben Dina and Mordechai. Was born on 23.1.1974 in the southern town of Yeruham, where he grew up and was educated. He attended the Eli Cohen Elementary School and continued at the Shoshana Sapir High School in Yeruham. He was a shy child, loved by his many teachers and friends. He was a member of the scout movement and was also a counselor. Hilik graduated with honors from the Gadna School of Education, where he studied painting, dancing and spending time with friends, and during his free time he dealt with basketball and swimming. “In Ju’ara. A cute boy said friends about him, curly hair, big eyes dreaming and quiet, never in a hurry, looking for his own way. Whenever they thought of an illustration, painting, or decoration at school, they immediately pointed to Hilik, who could add his charm and talent. A refined and quiet nonconformist who was looking for his way. At the beginning of August 1992, Hilik was drafted into the IDF and was assigned to the Golani Brigade, where he was assigned a basic training course. At the end of the long and exhausting journey, he gave deep expression to his love and great appreciation for his mother. When every soldier said what was in his heart, Hilik said, “I love you, Mother.” He was a source of pride for his family and his close friends. On April 17, 1993, he fell during his service. During a trip from Beer Sheva to Yeruham, an accident occurred, in which Hilik and his friend perished. He was laid to rest at the military cemetery in Ashdod. Survived by his parents, three sisters and a brother – Lilach, Limor, Yaniv and Ortal. In a letter of condolence to the bereaved family, the commander of the Barak battalion wrote: “Such a dominant figure, a devoted fighter, knew how to combine his inner calm with excellent operational ability. Many programs – a course of symbols, an officers’ course, and everything is interrupted in such tragic circumstances. “