HOME > REMEMBER

Remember

Dedicated to the memory of Dany Melamed Z L

Danny Melamed was born in Moscow, Russia, on February 22, 1964. His parents immigrated to Israel with him and his sister when he was nine years old.
In his first years in this country, he attended the Ben-Zvi elementary school in Acre. Danny’s teachers and friends recall that he could be singled out, even then, by his love for his adopted country, his leadership qualities and his ready camaraderie.

In 8th grade, Danny was one of the founders of the “Ariel” social group in the Young Naaran Movement. Danny was highly outstanding in movement activity, making his presence known with his confident voice and roars of laughter. He was especially keen on movement outings. An excellent group leader, his was a notable contribution to the lively atmosphere in Beit Hyman.

Danny, a born leader, loyal friend, keen, straight-A student, was thinking of joining his group’s Nahal (Pioneering Youth) Unit, designated for military service and eventual settlement on a kibbutz. At the kibbutz, when he wasn’t busy harvesting, he spent his days playing the guitar.

But instead of taking that route, he opted for the IDF’S Officer Candidate Academic Studies Programme, and commenced his studies at the Haifa Technion.

While the Lebanese War raged, Danny’s energies were being invested in his studies.
But he felt the war was passing him by, and was determined to do his bit. Abandoning his textbooks, he joined up. Just days later, he met his death when the Safari truck carrying him and his fellow-soldiers was blown up by a car bomb.

Danny gave his life for the Sanctification of the Name, on March 10, 1985. We shall forever cherish his memory”.

(From the Acre March in Memory of Danny Melamed).

Today, the Carob Tree at the Right forms part of the Danny Observation Post, named in honour of Danny Melamed

In the "Vatikim" quarter, Tal-El.

Entrance to Tal-El

You arrived here in the dead of winter as a “new immigrant”.
We were shivering in overcoats and you were in shorts.
A tall, hazel-eyed redhead, you always had a smile on your lips.
(At the Bible-study lesson on David and Goliath, you were ready with your answers, and the description of David might have been written of you).
You were supposed to be different, but that wasn’t how it worked out.
Socially, you fitted in at once, partying with the best of them, active in school outings and in the youth movement.
You took the lead as an outstanding student, and were always ready to lend a helping hand to anyone in need.
It’s almost ironic. You weren’t quite 18 years of age when you met your death, and it’s almost 18 years now that we, your friends, have been regularly meeting to honour your memory. We will never forget you.
I recall how, in 12th grade, we all stood there together, on IDF Remembrance Day, standing silently to attention at the monument.
Today, our youth arise to honour your memory.
I recall how, on the Holocaust Remembrance Day ceremony, we stood together on the rostrum, and I remember you from all those school and youth movement outings; how you could always be relied on to do your bit, were always ready with a helping hand.
I remember the Nahal team-building sessions at the kibbutz, and the fiction you loved to read whenever you had a spare moment.
I remember your love and admiration for your family/
I remember you.
(From the IDF Remembrance Day ceremonies, April 5, 2002 [5762] –
Composed by Michal Aqiva-Saada).