Sgt. Ilan Mor, z”l

Sergeant Ilan Mor, the eldest son of Yael and Zvi, brother to Bosmat and Nimrod, and grandson of the founders of Kibbutz Ein Gev, was born and raised in Kibbutz Ein Gev on the shores of the Sea of Galilee. A beloved and intelligent child, he often laughed and played.

Ilan was quick to grasp and understand things. He was curious and knowledgeable. Learning came easily to him, and before the age of six, he was already a full-fledged pupil at the “Kidmat Kinneret” elementary school. Although he was the youngest in his class, Ilan integrated easily, excelled academically, and was well-loved by his friends. He graduated from elementary school with honors and continued his studies at the regional high school “Beit Yerach.” Ilan was a charming young man, courteous, beautiful inside and out, a salt-of-the-earth boy whose face was always lit with a smile.

Ilan was also richly talented. He had exceptional musical hearing and sang beautifully. As a child and a youth, he was socially engaged. He demonstrated seriousness and responsibility in the various tasks assigned to him at the kibbutz, including farming work, always completing every task to the highest standard.

During high school, Ilan developed a passion for kayaking. At the same time, he worked in the kibbutz fishing industry. He continued working there from the end of high school until he enlisted in the IDF.

In January 1985, Ilan enlisted in the IDF in the Combat Engineering Corps. He completed the screening and basic training and then continued on the long training track for NCOs. Later, he volunteered for an additional course, at the end of which he was certified to serve as an NCO in the EOD Unit.

After his death, the unit commander wrote: “Ilan went through a long and demanding professional track in the unit, both physically and mentally, and completed it honorably and at a level worthy of note. During his service, he carried out his missions with a constant striving for perfection, in a way that made his commanders place the utmost trust in him.”

Ilan’s commander said, “Ilan was strong, solid, and steadfast, someone you could rely on. His hidden qualities were kindness, an open heart, and an inner gentleness. A young man of the highest personal ability, with sensitivity and a strong will to contribute.”

On April 1, 1987, Ilan fell in the line of duty during an operational activity in southern Lebanon, as he rushed to save a human life. He was 20 years old. Ilan was laid to rest in the military section of the cemetery in Kibbutz Ein Gev. Muki Tsur wrote in a booklet published in his memory: “In the course of his life, he knew how to give above and beyond, and with all his heart.”

May his memory be blessed.