Evytar Cohen

Major Evytar Cohen z"l served as a training officer in Battalion 8111 in the 5th Brigade, and Major Itai Perry served as a company liaison in the same battalion. Both fell in the same battle in the south of the Gaza Strip, in the village of Karara east of Khan Yunis. Their infantry force was hit by an IED at a school in the village, where Hamas terrorists and anti-tank squads were operating. Ashi Engelman, Avitar's close friend, told about him sadly: "He was my friend from the age of 16. A modest and humble man. He does everything quietly but with endless loyalty. He understood everything he did, possessed tremendous wisdom. He was a mechanical engineer and project manager at the Coca-Cola company. He was a true friend, one who is always there when you need him." He also shared about Cohen's family: "His eldest son, Daniel, is supposed to enlist in the IDF in the coming days, it will probably be postponed. His daughter, Hadas, is doing national service in the Jewish community in Miami. On the seventh of October in the morning we were in a synagogue and he received a phone call. His car wasn't at home, so he took mine and drove off. Since then he has been in the reserves. A mighty man," he said. "This is the man to go into battle with." Ariel Bassalman, who worked together with Avitar, told of their close acquaintance: "Three years ago we met when you accepted me to work under you at the Coca-Cola factory, and since then we have become close friends. How can one describe a person like you? An exemplary family man, blessed with talents, humble, honest, always pleasant to walk with that smile of yours, your tremendous wisdom and your way to always compromise and reconcile. Rest in peace dear man." His wife, Tammy, spoke about his unique character: "I received you as a gift on the second candle of Hanukkah. The fourth candle of Chanukah was taken from me. Each and every one has his own personal Evyatar. You learned how to touch and reach everyone who knows you. I won my Evyatar my best friend. My great love. Amazing dad. I thank You, God, that I have received such love. It's too early for me to return this gift, but I understand you, God, that you want your Evyatar."