Master sergeant (res.) Eliahou Benjamin Elmakayes came to Israel alone from France about 10 years ago out of his great love for the State of Israel, where he wished to build his life. On November 8, he was killed in the Gaza Strip. Now his parents are moving to Israel to live as he would have wanted, in Jerusalem.
Benjamin, who served as a reservist in the Engineering Corps, fell in battle in Gaza. He was 29 years old at the time of his death. His parents decided to follow his path, and next week they will make aliyah to Israel through the Jewish Agency and the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews. Benjamin is the youngest son of Marlene (Shoshana) and Lucien (Israel). He is also survived by five brothers and sisters. "We were very close, perhaps because he was the youngest of my six children," his mother said.
In 2010, at the age of 15, Benjamin left his family in France and came to study in high school in Israel. After completing his matriculation exams, he returned to France, but his longing for Israel determined his path. He immigrated to the country in 2014 and volunteered for combat service in the Engineering Corps as a lone soldier.
After completing his service, he worked in a security firm in Jerusalem, and he planned to marry his partner, Yoana. When the war broke out, he was called for reserve duty in Gaza. "We were very worried," his mother said. "At the end of October, we saw him in Israel. We had a celebration and were filled with joy and excitement. We did not know that this happy moment would be our last together."
A few days after their reunion, on November 8, Benjamin fell in the Gaza Strip. After the shiva, the family returned to France, but in their hearts they had already decided to make aliyah. "His dream was that we live with him in Israel. We will build our lives in Jerusalem, the city that Benjamin loved more than anything," Marlene said.
The chairman of the Jewish Agency, Major General (Res.) Doron Almog, said: "Benjamin's legacy and the spirit of his service give us pride and inspiration." Yael Eckstein, president of the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews, added: "We will continue to accompany the family in their adjustment process in the country."
Minister of Immigration and Absorption of Israel Ofir Sofer expressed happiness over the aliyah of the fallen soldier's parents.
"The parents of Benjamin Elmakayes, who immigrated alone to enlist and defend the homeland and fell in battle, continue their heroic son's path. A few months ago, I met Marlene and Lucien at an aliyah fair in Paris and was moved to tears when they told me they were about to make aliyah. I am glad this day has come. Our office will assist them in every way necessary to adjust to Israel as well as possible," he said.