Staff Sgt. Itzhak Orbaher, z”l

Staff Sergeant Yitzhak (Itzik) Orbacher was born in Petah Tikva, the son of Sarah and David-Daniel, husband of Hannah, and father of Efrat, Dalit, and Yael. In his childhood, Itzik studied at Ner Etzion Elementary School in Petah Tikva. He then attended the “Torah U’Melacha” Yeshiva in Kfar Avraham and the vocational high school “Amal,” specializing in structural metalwork. He was a devoted son to his parents and a diligent student, quiet and modest, who loved to read both religious texts and literature.

In 1965, Itzik was drafted into the IDF and assigned to the Combat Engineering Corps. He completed the Squad Leaders Course and the engineering NCO course, after which he was stationed in the EOD Unit.

Itzik was a professional soldier who never cut corners. He strove for excellence and carried out every mission entrusted to him in the most effective way possible. As part of his military service, he frequently participated in complex operational missions. Even there, he stood out for his modesty, initiative, and resourcefulness. Later, his commander said about him: “Itzhak was one of the finest commanders in our field. He was ready to take on any mission, even the most difficult, dangerous, and unpleasant.”

After completing his regular service, Itzik worked in a marble factory. A few years later, he fulfilled his dream, bought a truck, and became an independent contractor for marble works. Everyone who worked with Itzhak admired his diligence, dedication, warm personality, and the way he always greeted others with kindness.

Itzhak was a model family man – a devoted son, husband, and father. In 1971, he married Hannah, and they had three daughters together. He was also a man of giving. In his free time, he volunteered to visit patients at Tel Hashomer Hospital and also participated in community activities initiated by his synagogue.

Throughout the years, Itzik continued to serve in the reserves with dedication and perseverance. He carried out special missions and was a respected and beloved soldier and commander who always answered the call for any task and challenge.

On June 6, 1982, the First Lebanon War (“Operation Peace for Galilee”) broke out, and the IDF entered Lebanon. A few months later, Itzik was called up again for reserve duty. On the night of Passover, he set out on his final mission, an operational activity in the village of Kakhla, Lebanon. The force Itzik was with encountered a terrorist ambush and came under fire.

Itzik fell in battle in Lebanon on March 28, 1983, while saving the lives of many soldiers. He was 37 years old. He was laid to rest in the military cemetery in Petah Tikva. He left behind his wife Hannah, three daughters – Efrat, Dalit, and Yael – and his loving and grieving parents, sister and brother.

May his memory be blessed.