Benji Trakniski

Major Benji Trakniski, z"l, from Tel Aviv, served in the IDF's 7th Armored Brigade. He was killed in battle while evacuating the wounded from Kibbutz Be'eri. 

Benji was a member of the leading team of Forum Ofek at Reichman University. A leading and dominant student "who brought with him light, joy and an extraordinary spirit of volunteerism."

Benji was a graduate of the School of Government at Reichman University. 

His fiancée, Rotem, wrote: "In the nights when I get into bed and close my eyes after another day of restlessness and an aching heart, I fall exhausted and dream.

I dream that I am in the apartment and you enter the door, take off the dusty bags, put down the keys and all the contents of the pockets and look at me with a half smile, asking me what happened, why are you crying. And I'm shocked and jump on you and ask where you were and why you didn't answer. And you answer my love I was at war. That's how it is in war. You know less are available...and I embrace a never-ending hug and shout at you, swear you won't do this to me again. alive! And we're sitting on the couch and I'm still shocked because they told me you wouldn't come back anymore and here you are next to me. I find myself apologizing for not making you food like I always do because I didn't know when you would come back, I didn't even know if you would come back... and you just hug and shut up and hold me tight and kiss me. And there it ends. And this dream repeats every night. And I wish this dream was a reality in my life.. although I understand that it will never be again, but as I said in the vows that became an obituary that in every incarnation I will return to look for you again, so I will continue to dream that I am sitting on the sofa and waiting for you to come in the door and tell me what my love is, you know, that's how it is in war ..."