Lt. Moshe Eini

Feb 19, 2002 - St.-Sgt. Benny Kikis, 20, of Carmiel was one of six soldiers killed in a terrorist attack near a roadblock west of Ramallah. Several terrorists opened fire at soldiers at the roadblock, including three off-duty soldiers inside a structure at the roadblock, killing them at point-blank range.

The attack took place at about 9 P.M., a few hours after the troops who had manned the Ein-Ariq outpost for the last few months handed the position over to replacements from the same corps. The outpost, consisting of a roadblock and a few temporary housing buildings, was manned by eight soldiers, five of whom were on guard at the time. Two or three Palestinians apparently opened simultaneous fire at the outpost from different directions, killing six soldiers and injuring one.

Benny's parents, Margaret and Yuri immigrated to Israel from the Ukraine in 1979. Benny was boorn three years later, and last week celebrated his 20th birthday at his home in Carmiel.

About a year and a half ago he joined a unit of Combat Engineers. Kikis was very proud to serve in the IDF, and especially as an army paramedic. A month ago Benny broke his hand. Last week he took of the cast and immediately asked to return to his unit, "so that other soldiers could go home." On Sunday he returned to the unit, and was killed several days later.

St.-Sgt. Benny Kikis was buried in the military cemetery in Carmiel. He is survived by his parents and an older brother.