Heroes in death: 2 IDF soldiers were killed last night in an incident in south Lebanon. among the dead – a resident, and a well known researcher of the Land of Israel:
Binyamin Ze’ev (Javu) Erlich of Ofra, 71, and IDF soldier Sergeant Gur Kehati, 20, of nir Banim, fighter in the 13th Battalion, Golani Brigade. In the incident, a combat officer in the 13th Battalion was also wounded. Javu, who entered Lebanon as a civilian and without proper permits, was recognized in retrospect by the head of the IAA Dado Bar Kalifa as an IDF casualty.
Major Ze’ev (Zabu) Erlich – a symbol of the knowledge and love of the land
The Head of the Regional Council Mate Binyamin – Israel Gantz eulogized the well-known researcher “We are shocked at the departure of Zhavou. A man whose name was a symbol of the knowledge and love of the land. He was the leader of his town. Many thousands of lovers of the land who grew up on the findings and insights he brought to the world out of great kindness to the Holy Land, its heritage and the history of the Jewish people there. We share in the heavy sorrow of dear Tamar and the Erlich family for its branches, and embrace the community of Ofra.”
Sergeant Gur Kehati, 20, of Nir Banim , fighter of the 13th Battalion, Golani Brigade, was also killed in the incident.
The head of the regional council Gush Etzion also eulogized his friend, Javu Ehrlich, with whom he had a personal connection “The heart still refuses to believe the great disaster in which our friend Ze’ev Ehrlich was killed,” said Gush Etzion Council Chairman Yaron Rosenthal. “Zhavu was a founding member of the tour guides and scholars of Judea and Samaria, our generation followed him and drank his words with thirst. For many years, he guided, explored and with extraordinary curiosity, always tried to reach every corner and explore every archaeological site. I have not met many people of the knowledge of the land who have such a passion and love the country to the fullest. for me Zhavu was also a friend and for many years I learned a lot from him, I will miss him very much. We will continue to follow the huge hole he left us.”
The head of the IAA Dado Bar Khalifa decided to recognize Zavu as an IDF casualty, and the well-known investigator is the oldest IDF casualty in the war.
