MembersShir

Let me tell you a story.

By Esti Eliraz |
Photo: Pierre Terdjman /Flash90

It’s a true story of heartbreak and hope. A story of loss that led to inspiration. The story is that of Shir Hajaj, a beautiful 22-year-old Israeli soldier from Ma’ale Adumim.

Herzl and Merav Hajaj were no doubt proud of their daughter. Shir was the eldest of four girls. Shir was always at the top of her class in high school, and after that enrolled at Azrieli College, where she participated in advanced research on semiconductors to aid the development of solar cells. Her work was exemplary, and Shir graduated with distinction from the Faculty of Materials

Engineering at Azrieli College.

Then she was called up by the IDF for her compulsory military service.

Recognizing her talent, the IDF assigned Shir to the 81st Technology Unit, founded in 1961 to find technological solutions to specific complex issues. Many soldiers from this unit have, over the years, been awarded the Order of the Chief of the General Staff. The unit has on many occasions won the Israel Defense Prize. The 33rd time this award was given to Unit 81...

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