Mordechai Ben Michael, born in 1928 in Jerusalem, in British Mandate Palestine, passed away on March 29 as a result of complications due to COVID-19.

He was a member of the pre-state paramilitary organization Haganah and then served in the Israel Defense Forces as a mechanic.

“He fought in many wars,” said his daughter, Daphna.

An Egged bus driver for many years, he was the first driver to complete the Jerusalem-Cairo route. “He was a dear and esteemed person,” she added.

The gabbai of Ramat Gan’s Great Synagogue, he was a permanent fixture at services. “He gave so much to the community,” said his daughter. “And now, few people will be able to attend his funeral or the shiva.”

He is fondly remembered as always being delighted to spend time with his extensive family, especially the younger ones. Ben Michael was the father of four children, and had 13 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.

He was predeceased seven years earlier by his wife, Esther.

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