Sgt. Igor Drobitsky

Nov 15, 2002 - Sgt. Igor Drobitsky, 20, of Nahariya, was one of 12 people killed -- nine soldiers and three civilians from the Kiryat Arba emergency response team -- and 15 wounded in Hebron when Palestinian terrorists opened fire and threw grenades at a group of Jewish worshipers and their guards as they were walking home from Sabbath Eve prayers at the Cave of the Patriarchs.

 

The security personnel returned fire and pursued the attackers in a battle lasting some 90 minutes. Three terrorists were killed in the attack, which was claimed by the Islamic Jihad.

 

Drobitsky served as a medic in the Nahal Brigade in Hebron and died trying to treat and evacuate his wounded comrades.

He immigrated to Israel with his parents, Genadi and Eva, in 1996 from Birobidjan, and settled in Nahariya. After graduating from the naval academy in Acre and training as a medic, Drobitsky was posted to Hebron a week before the ambush.

 

"He loved looking after people and planned to become a qualified nurse after the army," said a friend, Danny Slutzky. He also played the guitar and loved jazz.

 

Drobitsky was concerned that his mother would worry, and so told her that he served in a base near Tel Aviv. "Igor was a true patriot, and felt that his serving in Hebron would protect the country," said his brother, Roman, 27. "I've lost a dear, beloved brother and a good and pure man."

 

Sgt. Igor Drobitsky is survived by his parents and brother. He was buried in the Nahariya Military Cemetery.