He was a real warrior. In memory of Yossi Hershkovitz, an outstanding principal and Sergeant Major

Jerusalem, November 12, 2023—the funeral cortege of Sergeant Major (res.) Yossi Hershkovitz, principal of the Ort Pelech Boys' School, walked quietly through the streets of Jerusalem. Hundreds of local residents, parents, and students held Israeli flags while singing patriotic songs, "Am Yisrael Chai" and "Hatikvah," as a final tribute to the man considered an "outstanding principal." Hershkovitz, a true warrior, was among five reservists killed in Gaza in a shocking and tragic event on Sunday. The funeral cortege from his home in the community of Gevaot Gush Etzion to his school in Jerusalem to the Mount Herzl Military Cemetery shows the extent to which he was respected and loved by his community. One of Hershkovitz's close friends and co-workers, Jerusalem Deputy Mayor Yosi Havilio, described Hershkovitz as a "wonderful principal" and expressed his involvement in supporting the families of fallen soldiers from Jerusalem.

Havilio testifies to Hershkovitz's dedication to good, both as an educator and an ardent fighter. Parents shared their experiences with Hershkovitz, describing him as special and deeply connected to his students. One of the parents, Dr. Brendon Stewart Friedman, emphasises the influence of Hershkovitz in the development of Zionism and the social responsibility of his son, who is now serving in the army. "Hershkovitz is one of those people who doesn't fit the pattern of a school principal," says Dr. Friedman. "He doesn't care about grades; he cares about'menshkite' [human perfection]. Children love him, and we as parents are very indebted to him." In addition to his success as a school principal, Hershkovitz was also known as a creative individual who designed various pedagogical programs. His initiated me'orav Yerushalmi Programme, an interdisciplinary learning programme combining religious and secular studies, has been an inspiration to many schools. Shalom Weil, a friend and colleague of Hershkovitz, spoke about the human and emotional sides of this powerful principal. Weil tells how Hershkovitz, although he may have had ideological disagreements, always referred to his fellow soldiers as brothers. "He was an impressive leader and very approachable," Weil said. "His inner soul is very influential. Hershkovitz was not just a schoolmaster; he was a true warrior. He fell and died a warrior, leaving a legacy of kindness and inspiration for us all." The Hershkovitz family, shaken by the loss of their husband and father, paid their last respects and remembered him as a strong, loving, and loyal person. Yossi Hershkovitz, in all aspects of his life, was a true warrior who will always be remembered by his community and generations to come.