Lt. Leonardo (Alex) Weissman

Dec 22, 2003 - Lt. Leonardo (Alex) Weissman, 23, of Afula was one of two IDF officers killed when a Palestinian terrorist opened fire and threw hand grenades as they emerged from their jeep on the Kissufim-Gush Katif road in the Gaza Strip.

Shortly after 19:00, forces were deployed to the Kissufim crossing near the Gush Katif junction, after receiving reports that an armed terrorist had been spotted in the area. The soldiers got out of their jeeps to begin searching the area. Givati company commander Capt. Hagai Bibi and his deputy, Lt. Alex Leonardo Weissman, were mortally wounded when the terrorist opened fire and threw a hand grenade at them. The terrorist was killed by IDF forces. The Fatah al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades claimed responsibility for the attack.

Leonardo Weissman insisted on serving in a Givati combat unit, his mother Rivka said, despite being an only son. He served with Capt. Hagai Bibi from the time he became an officer until their deaths. Since he began his career army service, his main concern had been the soldiers under his command. He would fill their refrigerators every week and ask new immigrants about any problems they might be having. He would distribute the holiday allowance he received as a career officer to them so they could buy extra food and helped support those from families in distress from his own pocket.

Leonardo last saw his family two weeks ago when he was on leave, but was called back to the base. He was to have completed his army service next July.

Lt. Leonardo Weissman was buried in military cemetery in Afula. He is survived by his parents, Rivka and Alex, and sister Sarita, 24.