Staff Sgt. Alexander Mashvitsky, z”l

Staff Sergeant Alex Mashvitsky, son of Ludmila and Grigory, brother to Ilya and Ella, was born in Russia.

In December 1991, when he was four years old, his family immigrated to Israel and settled in Be’er Sheva. Alex – “Alik” to his loved ones – studied at “Moledet” Elementary School and at Kohl Makif Vav High School in the city. He was an outstanding student, knowledgeable and cheerful. His parents said: “Above all, Alex had a good heart and a bright smile that lit up the world and colored it in happy colors. He never refused an opportunity to help, support, or give, and he always thought of others before thinking of himself.”

Alex was exceptionally intelligent and talented, especially in mathematics and physics. He participated in the “Mathematics Club in the South – Kidumatica for Youth” project, winning awards for excellence and a scholarship to study at the Technion. A bright future awaited him. During his studies, he took part in projects in physics, mathematics, and computers, and completed his first semester and several university courses with an average grade of 94.

Alex had technical skills and “golden hands” – he knew how to dismantle and repair electronic devices, locate faults, and fix them with ease. He loved life and was full of joy. He was also an outstanding athlete, training mainly in soccer, tennis, wrestling, and boxing. He was beloved and loyal and had many friends from all over the country. He helped or advised anyone in need. He often traveled around Israel with his family and friends and excelled at navigation. Alex did everything with modesty, humility, dignity, and kindness, with his eternal smile on his face and his usual saying: “We have nothing, and we are happy.”

In January 2006, Alex enlisted in the IDF to the Air Force pilot training course. After seven months, he joined the bomb disposal training track in the Yahalom Unit, serving as a combat soldier and team sergeant in the Sapir squadron. He was an admired and beloved fighter and commander, a role model. Daniel, his team commander, wrote: “I had the privilege to know a mature, responsible person with decision-making ability and discernment. I was always proud to have a fighter like you on my team.”

In December 2008, Operation Cast Lead began against Hamas in Gaza. Shortly afterward, Alex’s unit entered the area. On his final mission, his team entered the Sajaiya neighborhood on the outskirts of Gaza City together with a Golani Battalion. The force entered a building containing explosives in order to neutralize them. Alex, responsible for leading the operation by virtue of his role, entered first and was shot by terrorists hiding there.

On January 6, 2009, the eleventh day of Operation Cast Lead, Alex fell in battle in the Gaza Strip as he charged first toward the terrorists. He was 21 years old. He was laid to rest in the military cemetery in Be’er Sheva. On Alex’s headstone, his family wrote in Hebrew and Russian: “Alik, our love, you are in our hearts forever.” Twelve years after his death, his sister enlisted in the unit where he had served.

May his memory be blessed.