In Memoriam: Avner Goldman

Avner Goldman
August 2, 1962 – July 26, 2010)

Avner Goldman was a doctoral student in the Science, Technology, and Society program from 2007-2010.

Avner was a man of thought and action who bridged the worlds of spirit and technology, Torah and science through his work as a researcher, pilot, and computer specialist. Born in Petah Tikva to Erika and Ovadia Goldman, he was a member and later a counselor in the Bnei Akiva youth movement in the Sha'arayim neighborhood.

Avner enlisted in the IDF in 1981 and completed the Air Force helicopter pilot course in 1983. Until his discharge from regular service in 1988, he was an operational pilot in the "Yasur" helicopter squadron and also served as a flight instructor at the flight school in Hatzerim. After his discharge, he completed a mechanical engineering degree at Tel Aviv University's Engineering Faculty and integrated into the high-tech industry. In 1995 (after studying computers at MAMRAM), he returned to military service in the Ofek unit of the Air Force.

While serving as a computing unit commander in Ofek, he continued to fly with the "Night Raptors" squadron approximately 50 days annually, including shifts, standby duties on weekends and holidays. In this capacity, he was involved in life-saving missions. In the squadron, he was known as an invaluable resource embodying extensive experience and composure. One squadron commander would advise his successor, "When you reach a difficult decision point, consult him - he's a true asset."

Avner continued to serve as a volunteer reserve pilot even after crossing the statutory combat reserve age. On July 26, 2010, during a joint training exercise with the Romanian army in foggy conditions in the Carpathian Mountains, Avner embarked on his final flight. His helicopter crashed, and all crew members perished, including five of his squadron colleagues. He left behind his beloved family: his wife Orit, their children Eran, Amir, Eitan, and Tamar, as well as his parents and three brothers Amos, Yaakov, and Michael.

In his life, Avner was an exemplar of integrating different worlds: spirit and science, military and philosophy, work and family. After leaving regular service from the 'Oפק' unit in 2007, and despite being sought after in the civilian high-tech industry, he chose to dedicate his time to his beloved family and his greatest passions: love of Torah and land, education, intellectual expansion, and flying. He joined the doctoral program in Science, Technology, and Society. Additionally, he studied Talmud at the Jerusalem Beit Midrash 'Re'ua', the Magalim Institute for Jerusalem Studies, and the Kiddush HaChodesh Institute at the 'Kerem BeYavne' Yeshiva. In his city of Modi'in, he became a pillar of his community, founding and teaching a weekly Gemara class at the local synagogue.

At his funeral, the Chief Rabbi of Modi'in, Rabbi David Lau, eulogized: "Avner was one of the best among us. A native of the land who walked it as a person who combined intellect with human warmth throughout his 48 years. We were fortunate to see the good of the land." His friend, lawyer Gil Slovik, added: "It is extremely rare to meet someone with Avner's brilliant and clear thinking, combined with gentle manners, humility, and a balanced perspective on life."

Avner was modest about his achievements, and many discovered the full extent of his intellectual and Torah knowledge only after his passing. Among his brothers, he was a go-to resource, a learned authority with broad horizons. Everyone loved Avner, and his absence left an irreplaceable void. His memorialization became a human journey spanning people, days, and lands.

The text goes on to describe various memorial initiatives, including an annual scholarship in his name, a community library named after him, a memorial at the helicopter crash site, a street named in his memory, and a Torah scroll written and donated by his family.

In a poignant final note, it mentions that on the day of his fall, Major Avner Goldman carried a philosophy book (for long training hours) in his flight suit, with kosher crackers in his bag - a world of thought and faith, warmth and wisdom, ascending heavenward, never to return.