Pvt. Shmuel Aicho, z”l

Private Shmuel Aicho was born in Gondar, Ethiopia. He was the eldest son of Aslaf and Afewerk, and the brother of Shai, Bat-El, and Liel. His birth brought joy to his parents and to his extended family, who surrounded him with love and warmth.

In February 1991, during the Gulf War, when he was two years old, Shmuel immigrated to Israel with his family after years of longing for Jerusalem and the Land of Israel. The family was absorbed into the Pinhas Sapir Absorption Center in Kfar Saba, where they stayed for a year. Shmuel celebrated his third birthday at the kindergarten in the absorption center. The transition from Ethiopia to Israel was not an easy one. The family had to cope with language and cultural barriers, but Shmuel quickly adapted and adjusted. He was a beautiful, sociable, and cheerful child. With his smile, he endeared himself to everyone around him. Very quickly, he made new friends, who invited him to play and run around with them.

Shmuel’s family chose to settle in Kfar Saba. He studied at the Gordon Elementary School in the city. He then went on to Bar Lev Middle School and to “Amal 1” High School. Shmuel was an outstanding student – knowledgeable, curious, and ambitious. In high school, he majored in computer science and was also the top student in his English class. On the recommendation of the school administration, and as recognition for his academic excellence, Shmuel was awarded scholarships. He had a big heart and was always eager to help and volunteer. Every evening, he taught Hebrew to Ethiopian-Israeli students, assisted them with their homework, and managed the finances of the community's older members.

Shmuel was also an athlete. In his free time, he trained and exercised. He was a devoted son and brother who always helped his family, respected his parents, and deeply loved his younger siblings.

On July 30, 2007, Shmuel enlisted in the IDF's Combat Engineering Corps. He was driven by a strong will and high motivation to serve in the IDF, viewing it as a mission. His fellow recruits recalled that he had an excellent sense of humor and always made them laugh. They said he was always the first to volunteer and to offer help. He was a true friend, someone everyone trusted and wanted to be around. Shmuel never complained and never gave up on himself. Even during basic training, when his legs hurt, he refused to rest and would not stop. At the end of basic training, he was assigned to the NBC Unit.

On February 23, 2008, Shmuel fell during his service. He was 19 years old. He was laid to rest in the military cemetery in Kfar Saba. His parents said, “Shmuel left us with a wounded heart and a confused mind that keeps asking questions but never gets answers.”

May his memory be blessed.