Staff Sgt. Shani Shaham, z”l

Staff Sergeant Shani Shaham, son of Yael and Chaim and the only brother of Ran, was born in Be’er Sheva.

As a child, Shani was identified as gifted. He graduated with honors from the “Tze’elim” elementary school, and at the age of ten was already sent to study at the Hebrew University as part of the “Youth for Science” program. He was curious, kind, with an eternal smile. Within the program, Shani combined his love for the exact sciences with his passion for the arts, and alongside mathematics and computer studies, he also studied communication and creative drama. In high school, Shani studied in the academic track at Makif D in Be’er Sheva. He strengthened his studies in sciences and languages, and was a brilliant student, admired by both classmates and teachers.

Shani’s world was full and rich. A delightful young man, the salt of the earth, unique and gifted. He painted and sculpted. He had a deep love for classical music. At the age of 12, he began playing the cello and went on to win numerous prizes. He also loved to read and was passionate about literature. A quiet young man, with broad world knowledge, serious and impressive, who excelled in everything he did.

Despite his many talents, Shani was always modest and humble. He gladly shared his knowledge with others, helped and advised his friends with wisdom and kindness, and was always a listening ear. Thanks to his pleasant personality, Shani was loved by everyone around him. A bright future lay ahead.

In October 1982, Shani enlisted in the IDF's Combat Engineering Corps. He was a principled and highly motivated soldier who loved his people and his homeland. Shani completed the squad leaders’ course and the NCO course with distinction. At their conclusion, he volunteered for the EOD Unit, even though he knew the great risks involved in the unit’s work. He served there for a year and a half, until he fell. There, too, Shani stood out with his knowledge. Alongside the intricate and complex missions he carried out, he trained a new generation of commanders for the unit and also processed data on the computer.

His commander said of him: “We, who knew Shani for a year and a half, absorbed into ourselves a man who was pleasant, thorough, and consistent in everything he did. His seriousness, perseverance, and strong desire to prove himself and succeed will accompany us wherever we go. Shani radiated from his inner world even in moments of rest, both in his ability to listen to a friend in distress and in his efforts to share his own world of literature and music with those around him. We can testify that in everything he did, he demonstrated professional excellence and was an exemplary friend.”

On September 3, 1985, Shani fell during an operational mission in Bik’at Sayarim while assisting in the testing of new munitions for the IDF, intended to strengthen the army’s deterrence capability. He was 21 years old. He was laid to rest in the military cemetery in Be’er Sheva. A friend wrote: “We will continue to tell your story and bring up your name forever.”

May his memory be blessed.