Posted on 02/26/2004 1:40:24 PM PST by yonif
Sgt.-Maj. (res.) Amir Zimmerman, 25, of Kfar Monash in Emek Hefer, was killed in a battle with two Fatah gunmen who infiltrated the Erez industrial zone in the northern Gaza Strip on Thursday morning.
The gunmen, armed with Kalashnikov rifles and grenades, were shot and killed shortly after. Zimmerman will be buried Friday at 1 p.m. in the military section of the Kfar Monash Cemetery.
Erez Battalion commander Lt.-Col. Yossi Hadad told The Jerusalem Post that the terrorists either infiltrated the industrial zone via a tunnel linked to a sewerage manhole or climbed over the fence. "Both options are being checked," he said.
The gunmen planned to shoot at motorists on the nearby highway, at arriving workers, or at soldiers at the entrance, he said.
On Wednesday night, Hadad had informed Palestinian Authority officials of warnings that terrorists would attack the industrial zone.
"The reports we received were of terrorists planning to infiltrate the industrial zone via a tunnel that linked up to a manhole," he said. "Because of the warnings, we prevented Israeli and Palestinian workers from entering, which was the right decision."
Throughout the night, soldiers remained on high alert. Zimmerman and another soldier were guarding the entrance gate. At about 6 a.m., Zimmerman spotted something suspicious and as he approached, the gunmen killed him.
His backup killed one of the terrorists, and arriving reinforcements killed the other. The industrial zone will remain shut until Sunday, Hadad said, when the situation will be assessed. The Fatah Al-Aksa Martyrs Brigades claimed responsibility and identified the perpetrators as Ashraf Zakkout and Ayman Suheil. It was the 11th attack to occur at the Erez complex since November 2001.
They have claimed the lives of four civilians and 10 members of the security forces. OC Gaza Strip Brig.-Gen. Gadi Shamni told reporters that all the terrorist organizations continue to use every opportunity to launch attacks, even though it harms the Palestinian civilian population.
"We are at war with terrorist organizations that choose to target the very symbol of coexistence, a place where Israelis and Palestinians work alongside each other," he said.
While security forces have succeeded in thwarting numerous attacks, once again a heavy price was paid, he said, adding that had the terrorists succeeded in reaching the nearby highway, the losses could have been far greater.
At the time the attack occurred, 7,500 Palestinian laborers from the Gaza Strip were passing through the Erez terminal to work in Israel, he said.
Officials noted that 4,000 Palestinians from the Gaza Strip work in the industrial zone and their salaries feed at least 30,000 members of their immediate families. The workers are employed by Israeli and Palestinian factory owners.
Other attacks at the site include a suicide bombing on January 14 in which a woman blew herself up at the entrance to the terminal where magnetic cards are issued to the Palestinian workers, killing a civilian, two soldiers, and a border policeman. Hamas and Fatah claimed responsibility.
On December 4, security forces found a package containing components to make bombs in a postal truck leaving the Gaza Strip. In June, four soldiers were killed when three terrorists infiltrated an IDF post at Erez. In February, security forces thwarted an attempt to infiltrate the industrial zone.
Feb. 26, 2004
Army knew they could count on Amir
By MARGOT DUDKEVITCH
Amir spoke with his parents for the last time on Wednesday night when he called to tell them that he was enjoying the company of fellow reservists.
The 70-family community of Kfar Monash has already lost 13 soldiers, all falling in the line of duty. Determined to serve in a combat unit, Amir was enlisted to the Golani Briagde Raven's unit.
Amir's father, Eliezer, told reporters that during his son's regular army service he served for long periods in Lebanon. "The army knew that everyone could rely on Amir," said Eliezer.
He recalled a saying used by the soldiers "when Amir is around don't be tense." After completing his regular army service he traveled abroad first to the Far East and then to Australia and New Zealand, Eliezer said.
A week ago he was called up for reserve duty and after undergoing a two-day exercise he received a furlough in order to attend exams.
"Yesterday morning I took him to Holon where he was picked up and taken to Erez," he said. On Wednesday night Amir called his mother Gabriella and told her that 95% of those called up to reserve duty showed up and all were from combat units.
Shira, Amir's 14-year-old sister, told reporters how much she adored her older brother and every time they met they hugged and kissed each other. "He had a good heart, he loved everyone.
"Last Friday we played backgammon together," she said crying. Amir is survived by his parents Gabriella and Eliezer, his brother Alon,17 and his sister Shira.
He died protecting ALL of us. Prayers for the family. Is this right? A 25 year old Sgt Major. I don't know IDF rank, but in our Army this is one of the highest enlisted ranks.
It is the hightest enlisted rank. Pay grade E-9.
Takes a lot of years and experience to achieve.
Folks you don't want to piss off:
Command Sgt Maj's
Chief Warrant Officer 4's
Four Star Generals
IDF Sergeant Major 
For others interested here's the link to the IDF insignia stuff rope found.
This is the one I remember...I still feel like going to parade rest when I see it.
Magnified and sanctified be His great name in the world which He hath created according to His will. May He establish His kingdom during your life and during your days, and during the life of all the house of Israel, even speedily and at a near time, and say ye, Amen. Congregation and Mourner: Let His great name be blessed for ever and to all eternity.
Blessed, praised and glorified, exalted, extolled and honored, magnified and lauded be the name of the Holy One, blessed be He; though He be high above all the blessings and hymns, praises and consolations, which are uttered in the world; and say ye, Amen.
May there be abundant peace from heaven, and life for us and for all Israel; and say ye, Amen.
He who maketh peace in his high places, may He make peace for us and for all Israel; and say ye, Amen.
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