An Officer and Gentelman
“Major
Eitan Belachsan, of blessed memory, led on 7 of Adar, 22 February 1999,
led for the last time the Paratroopers Recon warriors to a military
mission in Lebanon with goal of allowing normal life to be conducted on
Israel’s north border.
At
the height of 4000 feet over sea level, in a difficult area of dense
vegetation, while Eitan was at the head of the force, the enemy suddenly
opened fire, which hit him. Eitan could be proud of his warriors, who
performed to the standarts and values, for which he educated them.
Eitan
was an excellent officer, and a perfect army man. He symbolized for us the
perfect image of a paratrooper, a vibrant spirit and commanding character
and values of the paratrooper.
Eitan
became a unique figure in the brigade view – modest, pleasant, devoted,
professional, open-minded and creative, an independent thinker who was an
admirable example of an officer and gentleman. Natural and noble
leadership; on the one hand, a young man with beautiful eyes and a bit
shy; on the other hand, endless energy of a responsible, charismatic,
commander who always desired to lead.”
Eitan
was born and grew up in Ramot Naftali in the upper Galil, a son of Klod
and Ziona, a brother of Yaron, Osnat and Yoav, husband of Raya, and a
loving father for little Noam. It is enough to see Eitan’s growing house
to understand, how all those unique characteristics were joined in one
person – a house of workers of the land. A family, who planted its roots
deeply in this country, and produced stems, so that all the sons were
together in the family of paratroopers. The spirit and values Eitan
absorbed in his life became the strong ground for his actions and made him
a legend in his life.
It
is not mere coincidence that Eitan, the leader, was killed on the
anniversary of the birth and death of the eternal Israeli leader –
Moses.
Eitan
will remain tall and steadfast, in our memory as a true friend – as an
enduring commander. As the one who forged in his soldiers the desire for
excellence, to lead and be a model of “follow me to the paratroopers”.
This spirit of Eitan’s will never leave our hearts.
May
his memory be blessed
