Cpl. Shirli Smadaga, z”l

Corporal Shirli Smadaga, daughter of Ruti and Eve, younger sister to Aviel and older sister to Orit, grew up in Ashdod. A calm child, always smiling and radiant. At first, Shirli studied at the “Re’im” elementary school in Ashdod. At the end of first grade, she moved with her family to the rural community of Azar, between Ashdod and Ashkelon, and Shirli transferred to the “Regavim” regional school in Moshav Emunim.

Shirli was an outstanding student. In sixth grade, she won a prize for a project she wrote about dogs. The prize was awarded to her at Tel Aviv University. Later, she studied at the regional high school in Be’er Tuvia. There, too, she excelled – a graceful young woman, beautiful both inside and out. Sensitive and modest, she set goals for herself and achieved them. Shirli had a wonderful sense of humor, was sociable and beloved. Her friends used to say she was a “bundle of energy.” As a teenager, she was independent and responsible. She babysat, tutored, and guided youth, always with a smile and kindness. She loved sports, playing tennis, swimming, diving, and playing the guitar.

Shirli had a special and deep connection with her family. She cared for her brothers, spoiled them, respected her grandparents, and was close to her parents, with whom she shared her life and sought advice. She used to leave cheerful notes and letters for her parents. Only once did she defy them – when she tattooed a rose, her favorite flower, on her body, against their wishes.

In January 2003, Shirli enlisted in the Engineering Corps. She completed a course in NBC defense and was certified as an instructor in the NBC Warfare Center. Just as in school, Shirli excelled in the army. Among other things, she commanded the twelfth training cycle of NBC instructors. She was a soldier and commander admired and loved by both subordinates and superiors. A fellow soldier wrote to her: “There are people in the world who speak, and you get chills from the words that come out of their mouths. You are one of those people, and you symbolize so much for me.”

During her military service, Shirli’s relationship with her boyfriend Omer flourished. “I can testify how much I changed thanks to you. You taught me how to be a shoulder, and how a shoulder should be,” Omer wrote.

Being a person of giving, Shirli continued to volunteer and lend a hand during her military service as well. On Purim, she volunteered to deliver food baskets to families in need.

On March 16, 2004, Shirli fell while in service. She was 19 years old. Shirli was laid to rest in the military section of the Beit Ezra cemetery. Her father wrote an acrostic for her name: “A rose of love and grace. A sea of life and sorrow. Angry at what is, at the world. Fighting for happiness and never giving up. Unique, loyal, beloved, in our hearts forever.”

May her memory be blessed.