Remembering Hanan Barak and Pavel Slocker

Three years ago this week, on Thursday, 25 June, a Gazan terror cell launched a cross-border attack on an Israel Defence Forces post near Kibbutz Kerem Shalom in southern Israel. Lieutenant Hanan Barak from Arad and Sergeant Pavel Slocker from Dimona were killed by the terrorists and Gilad Shalit was kidnapped. I will write more about the week's events marking Gilad's three years of captivity, but for the moment I think it important to remember Hanan and Pavel.

Hanan Barak, aged 20, was an officer in the IDF's armored corps. He was born in Arad and graduated from ORT High School in the city. At his funeral, his girlfriend of the last two years, Orit Gino, told of how they had spoken of their dreams for the future, the home they wanted to have together and the children they hoped to raise.

Hanan's father descibed him as a regular student who had came into his own in the army, where he excelled and emerged as a leader.

"In addition to his success as a soldier, Hanan was an artist who drew pictures, particularly portraits," said his brother Yishai. "But he was pragmatic, so he was considering going into architecture after the army," he added. Among the many memories that flooded his mind after hearing of his brother's death was the way his brother had bonded with him, supporting him through a serious illness six years ago, when his brother was only 15. "I knew my hair was going to fall out, so I decided to shave it off. In solidarity with me, Hanan shaved his off as well," recalled Yishai.