"It’s not a big deal, becoming a good soldier when you come from a home like mine; the big deal is to take someone with difficulties and help him succeed"
Kobi Ichelbom, O.B.M
Kobi Ichelbom was born on 15/05/1981. Aviva and Shalom’s younger son and Motti’s brother, Kobi studied in the Gordon Elementary School in Givatayim and completed his high school studies at the Shimon Ben Zvi School. Kobi was an athlete, a basketball player for the Hapoel Givatayim team. In August 1999 he enlisted in the Givati Brigade, underwent combat training and chose a command course for instructing young combat soldiers. Kobi was trained as a squad commander and afterwards as a platoon sergeant. For the duration of his army service Kobi earned citations of excellence.
Kobi’s commanders and subordinates have testified that humanity, modesty, dedication and loyalty, honesty and compassion were his outstanding attributes.
Three values were guidelines for Kobi - home and family, friendship and devotion to Israel.
Home and Family
Kobi was raised in a home and family that served him as a “breeding nest.” Kobi was aware of the importance of family and believed in doing everything possible to strengthen the family cell so that it can serve as a “proper send off” for IDF recruits and soldiers.
For the duration of his Army service Kobi made great efforts to care for soldiers from families that were set apart as economically backward, extremely cut off and socially estranged. Kobi understood that their enlistment in the IDF gives them a second chance, and as a commander he has to do all he can to help them realize this opportunity. Kobi was proud of their achievements and encouraged them to proceed to command and instruction positions. Many of his soldiers described him as a father who watches over his children and gives them a sense of confidence, care, warmth and love.
Friendship
Kobi taught his soldiers mutual responsibility and caring for others out of a belief that the strength of the group is immeasurably greater than the strength of the individual.
Kobi’s friends from the Army and civilian life were representative of all strata of Israeli society: Kibbutzniks and city dwellers, religious and secular, rich and poor, and all were equal in his eyes.
Devotion to Israel
Kobi believed in the beautiful land for the nation of Israel and the right of its citizens to live on the land as free men, straightforward and seeking peace. Kobi was a promise for the beautiful land.
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