Golani Unit's Bofor Memorial Torah Scroll Returns to Bofor Hill After 44 Years

Forty-four years after the 1982 battle at Bofor Hill, where Golani Brigade reconnaissance company commander Lt. Col. Goni Harnik and several other soldiers fell, the Torah scroll written in memory of the fallen was returned to the summit of Bofor. The scroll, dedicated to the eternal remembrance of those who died in the battle and subsequent fallen comrades including Brig. Gen. Erez Gerstein, was read there with reverence, closing a circle of heroism and remembrance.

During the 1982 battle, Harnik led a Golani reconnaissance force to capture the northern part of the Bofor fortress. After the company commander, Moshe Kaplinski, was severely wounded, the brigade deputy commander Gabi Ashkenazi ordered Harnik to join the reconnaissance force, assume command, and complete the mission. Despite his armored personnel carrier overturning and sustaining light injuries, Harnik continued on foot, reorganized the troops, and planned a renewed assault.

The force encountered heavy machine gun fire but pressed forward, clearing trenches with gunfire and grenades. Harnik and his comrade Goldman reached a fortified position held by a Palestinian fighter who killed Harnik at close range. Goldman destroyed the position with a grenade, eliminating the enemy. The battle ended with an Israeli soldier raising the national flag atop the fortress.

This event honors the memory of those who sacrificed their lives in the battle and symbolizes the enduring legacy of their bravery and dedication.