David Karol

David Karol, a cherished figure within the Be'eri community, is remembered with fondness and deep respect. Born to Grazia and Albert Karol, immigrants from Izmir, Turkey, David was the eldest among his siblings, Moshe and Yigal. His early years were spent in the Ramat Amidar neighbourhood of Ramat Gan, where he was known for his mischievous nature and infectious zest for life.

David's dream since the age of 13 was to live on a kibbutz, and eventually his adventurous spirit led him to Be'eri at the age of 16. Despite his family's initial reluctance, his determination saw him through, marking the beginning of a journey filled with camaraderie, love, and a deep connection to the land. David embarked on his journey to Be'eri as a participant in the Youth Aliyah program. Yet, when asked about how he arrived at the kibbutz, his response was filled with his characteristic humour: "on the two-ten bus," he would say. His selection of Be'eri as his new home stemmed from a deep desire to experience independent life in a kibbutz that lay a great distance from his family home, seeking new experience and a fresh start.

David seamlessly became part of the Aluma group, immersing himself in the dynamic and spirited life of Be'eri's kibbutz youth. Among his peers, he was affectionately known by the surname "Karol," yet, within the warmth of his family, he remained simply David.

At the age of seventeen and a half, David joined the army, serving in Battalion 50 of the Nachal Brigade. Even in the disciplined environment of the military, his playful spirit shone through, endearing him to his comrades. Following his service, David returned to Be'eri, where he worked in carpentry. With great skill and love, he crafted shelves for plants and furniture, both large and small, for all who sought his expertise. However, the outbreak of the Yom Kippur War soon called him back into service. It was during this period of reserve duty that David was wounded by shrapnel in his hand, necessitating his evacuation to the hospital.

In 1978, during a singles retreat organised by the Kibbutz Movement, David met Rivkaleh and her young daughter, Lior, then only two and a half years old. From their very first encounter, David embraced Lior with all the love and care of a true father. Motivated by a desire to build a life together, David and Rivka ventured to Kibbutz Gilgal in the serene Jordan Valley, seeking a neutral place where their budding family could flourish. After a year of growth and deepening bonds, they returned to Be'eri, where they got married.

In 1982, David was blessed with the birth of Harel, the light of his life. Harel, a child brimming with mischief and joy, inherited David's profound love for all types of sports. Within the walls of the children's house, where he grew up, Harel was affectionately dubbed Rol-Rol, a nickname that soon extended to encompass all his classmates in Iris’ class, who were lovingly referred to as "Roolroolim."

After honing his skills in carpentry, David discovered a new passion in the kitchen. While carpentry would always hold a special place in his heart, the art of cooking beckoned with its promise of creativity and warmth. Enrolling in a chef's course at Ruppin College, David embarked on a culinary journey. "How's the food?" he would ask, his eyes sparkling with anticipation for the feedback that would fuel his next culinary adventure. Even as he transitioned to printing, his love for cooking remained undiminished, prompting many to inquire when he would return to the kitchen, especially after tasting his delectable soups or the exquisite olives he delighted in sharing at the pub. In times of sorrow, David was always the one to offer comfort through the warmth of his cooking.

In his tenure within the printing industry, David found himself adept in various roles, where his love for driving flourished as he undertook deliveries and errands, traversing the country. His dedication to the Thursday evening check trips remains a fond memory for many, as he generously offered late-night rides to friends and students eager for a weekend escape to the kibbutz, becoming a cherished link between Tel Aviv and Jerusalem and the kibbutz in the times when owning a car was a luxury.

Following the separation from Rivkaleh, David found love again with Orly, with whom he built a long-term relationship. Together, they nurtured a family that grew not just in numbers but in bonds, with his children Lior and Harel standing as pillars of his pride. David revelled in Lior's adventurous spirit and her ability to spread joy through her dance, while Harel's passion for sports and his role as a youth instructor always delighted David. The arrival of his granddaughters, Leah and Romi, added so much happiness to David's later years as he embraced the role of a grandfather whose heart knew no bounds. His greatest joy was found in the moments spent with his granddaughters, whose very mention of "Baba" filled him with contentment.

In 2017, his son Harel died of a severe illness. Karol gathered all his strength and decided to continue living joyfully despite the pain, sorrow, and longing. He clung to happiness where he could find it, like his daughter and granddaughters, his partner, and his family, and managed to enjoy performances, trips, beach outings, taking care of his home, gardening, and friends. A year ago, his son-in-law Erez died. Karol rallied to help Lior, encouraging her to choose life for the sake of those who remained. As always, he was there for her unconditionally.

Karol radiated joy, embracing life and the people around him, making him a key figure in Be'eri's social scene. He was a familiar presence in the dining hall, especially during the morning gatherings where he would move from table to table, sharing his thoughts on everything that delighted or irked him. His love for singing was undeniable; each performance was met with enthusiastic applause. The sound of his laughter and the warmth of his friendly pats on the back brought everyone closer, making him especially beloved by children. Karol had a fondness for games of luck, such as the lottery, “Toto”, and “Rav Chance”. But he always used to say that the greatest luck of his life was right there - in the community of Be'eri.

His life was taken at 72.

May his memory be a blessing.