Basul Ophir – Asher
Son of Dina and Ezra, immigrants from Aram Tzova (Aleppo, Syria), he was born on Friday, Adar Bet 6, 5736 (March 8, 1976). He grew up and was educated in Kfar Saba, attending the “Bar-Ilan” religious elementary school and continuing his studies at “Midrashiat Noam” junior high school. He completed his high school education at the same institution in Pardes Hana, specializing in chemistry.
On March 26, 1995, he enlisted in the Golani Brigade, fulfilling his aspiration to serve in this unit. During his military service, he excelled in basic training and served as a squad commander for recruits. At the request of his superiors, he joined an infantry officers’ course but chose to return to the beloved Battalion 13.
In July 1997, he was deployed with his battalion to the security zone in southern Lebanon. As the sergeant of the reconnaissance platoon, he led his soldiers on complex and dangerous missions.
On the 12th of Elul, 5757 (September 14, 1997), during a mission in the security zone, he was leading his team when he stepped on an explosive device. Ofir was critically injured, and the evacuation was lengthy and challenging. After several hours of fighting for his life, he passed away at Rambam Hospital in Haifa.
Words from the battalion commander:
“Ofir was a rare individual, full of values, deeply motivated, charismatic, and professional. Before his last mission, he meticulously presented its details, demonstrating an impressive level of knowledge. I noticed the admiration in the eyes of his soldiers… We truly wanted him to continue and become an officer in the battalion.”
Ofir is survived by his parents, Dina and Ezra, who were long-time educators in Kfar Saba, and his two siblings, Ohad and Efrat.
He was laid to rest in the military cemetery in Kfar Saba.