Sgt. 1st Class (res.) Eyal Zimmerman

Apr 9, 2002 - Sgt. 1st Class (res.) Eyal Zimmerman, 22, of Ra'anana was one of thirteen IDF soldiers killed and seven injured in the Jenin refugee camp by Palestinian terrorists. An IDF patrol of reserve soldiers was ambushed in a narrow alleyway in the camp by a number of explosive devices and gunfire from the rooftops of surrounding buildings (Operation Defensive Shield).

Sgt. 1st Class (res.) Eyal Zimmerman studied at the Ostrovsky high school in Ra'anana and served in the Nahal Brigade during his compulsory service. Eyal's friends said, "his expertise was in the many friends he accumulated, he loved people." During leaves from the army, Eyal visited his teachers at school and kept in close contact with friends. He was "quiet but opinionated, drew friends into meaningful debates. Very intelligent, cynical, well-spoken and had a good sense of humor."

After his release from the army two years ago, Eyal spent a year and a half touring the USA and Central America. When he returned, he began studies in psychology and political sciences at the Open University in Ra'anana.

Sgt. 1st Class (res.) Eyal Zimmerman was buried at the military cemetery in Ra'anana. He leaves behind his father David and a sister. His mother died several years ago of cancer.