1st Lt. Avraham-Aba Fisher, z”l

First Lieutenant Avraham-Abba “Avi” Fisher, son of Bella and Nuri; younger brother to Dalia and older brother to Tzippi, was born in Brooklyn, New York. When Avi was three years old, his family immigrated to Israel and settled in Kiron. He attended the religious state elementary school “Shiloh.” He later studied at the Bnei Akiva preparatory middle school in Givat Shmuel and then at Haroe High School in Ramat Gan. Avi was a charming young man, endowed with a refined sense of humor and an enduring smile.

Volunteering was a way of life for Avi. He was a trusted listener and advisor, beloved as both a member and counselor in the Bnei Akiva movement. At age 15, he began volunteering with Magen David Adom and spent long hours in service. He completed a first-aid instructor’s course and helped foster a new generation of volunteers in MDA. In recognition of his social contributions, he was awarded the “Volunteer’s Medal” by the Kiryat Ono Council.

Avi had a deep love for animals, especially dogs. He was strong-willed, articulate, and engaged spiritedly in debate.

He maintained a close and loving relationship with his parents, sisters, and extended family.

After finishing high school, Avi deferred his army service by a year to study at the Merkaz HaRav Yeshiva in Jerusalem, enriching his religious knowledge. He was particularly drawn to the topic of faith, which he pursued with both thoroughness and passion.

In July 1990, Avi enlisted in the IDF. At his request, he joined the Combat Engineering Corps. After completing the non-commissioned officer course and officer training, he volunteered for the EOD Unit. Avi was a revered and principled soldier and commander, an exemplar to his troops. On one occasion, he suffered injuries to his wrist and fingers; nevertheless, he continued his duties, rehabilitated his hand himself, and returned to full operational activity after just one month.

After completing specialized training, Avi was certified as a team commander (Mafkatz). He was respected and beloved by his soldiers. Avi was fully aware of the hazardous nature of his role and the enormous responsibility it entailed. Despite his demanding duties, he found time to study history and philosophy, and to enjoy thrillers and science fiction.

In 1993, Avi completed his compulsory service and began serving as a career officer, true to his nature, eager to continue serving and contributing.

On his final mission, Avi acted heroically in rescuing an IDF force from a minefield in southern Lebanon. After an explosive device killed seven Golani Brigade soldiers, Avi, as team commander, ventured out to search for more explosives and was critically wounded in the process.

On August 19, 1993, Avi was gravely injured and rushed to Rambam Hospital; despite doctors' efforts, he succumbed to his wounds a few hours later. His commander later said, “For you, completing the mission was the highest value. You served faithfully in every critical task, with dedication and nobility of spirit. You volunteered bravely and resolutely, and fulfilled your special mission – to save lives.”

May his memory be blessed.