Stories of the pilots and two soldiers killed Sunday

By ETGAR LEFKOVITS
Lt. Tom Farkash The Canadian-born Farkash, 23, from Caesaria, who was killed in the air force chopper crash in northern Israel Monday, served as a helicopter gunship pilot. His parents, who moved to Canada when they were young, returned to Israel 11 years ago and settled in Caesarea. Farkash's father, Doron, also served in the IAF as a Skyhawk pilot, and today works as a captain for El Al. Doron received the news of his son's death in Toronto, where he was working. Farkash is survived by his parents, Anat and Doron, and two siblings - Amit, 17, and Ori, 11. St.-Sgt. Koby Smileg Smileg, 20, of Rehovot, was killed Monday morning in Lebanon when the tank he was in was hit by a Hizbullah anti-tank missile. A battalion commander in Smileg's tank was wounded in the same attack. The tank had rushed forward to retrieve soldiers who had been wounded in the battle. He is survived by his parents and a sister. Sec.-Lt. Lotan Slavin The tank commander, 21, of Hatzeva, who was killed Monday morning in Lebanon, had recently completed his officer's training course with honors. Slavin, who was known for his modesty, had wanted to serve in an elite combat unit, but due to a health problem he was enlisted in the infantry. He is survived by his parents and three brothers. Col. Tzvi Loft Colonel Loft, 42, of Hogla, had served in the military for two and a half decades, after enlisting at age 18. Loft, who served in an array of positions in the air force, was due to complete his career service in a year. He is survived by his wife, Orna, and three daughters. Compiled by Etgar Lefkovitz