A newlywed police officer and a retired Knesset employee who were killed in Sunday’s horrific terror attack in Jerusalem were eulogized as warm and loving individuals and valuable members of the community by their loved ones and friends.
Levana Malichi, (60) she was laid to rest in a private ceremony. Malihi was a Knesset employee for over than 30 years. She is survived by three children and six grandchildren. She was described as warm and friendly to everyone. She was always there to help anyone in need.
Officer, Yosef “Yossi” Kirma (29)was laid to rest at Har Herzl in Jerusalem. Kirma was a member of the YAMAS police patrol unit (SWAT team) in the Jerusalem district. This was not his first brush with terror. Last December, while on patrol in Jerusalem, he noticed an Arab man acting suspiciously near a nursery school. The man was holding a knife and planned to commit a terror attack on the school. He managed to disarm the terrorist and thwart that terror attack. Today, however, would be different. After a Hamas terrorist opened fire on a group of pedestrians and killed a 60 year old lady, Yosef Kirma immediately sprang into action and started to exchange gunfire with a terrorist. The actual attack was caught on camera in a car driving behind the terrorist.
Yosef heroically chased after the terrorist and tried to neutralize him to prevent further injury to any more innocent people. He and his colleagues succeeded in their efforts, but not before he paid the ultimate price and was shot. He was taken to Hadassah Hospital after being critically wounded. Doctors valiantly fought for his life, until they were forced to confirm his death.
Sergeant Major Joseph Kirma late, 29 (promoted posthumously) joined the Israeli police four years ago, is survived by his wife, Noy and his parents Uzi, and Esther as well as 2 brothers, Yitzchak and Tal.
On his final journey, his family escorted him along with all his colleagues who rode their motorcycles adorned with Israeli flags.
Dignitaries also appeared, among them was Internal Security Minister Gilad Erdan, Police Chief, Ronnie Alsheikh, Jerusalem District Commander, Major General Yoram Halevy, supreme command staff of the police and Jerusalem mayor, Nir Barkat.
Internal Security Minister Gilad Erdan Eulogy: “Yose, you and your friends are not forced to be at the front lines. No one asked you to.. The opposite..You had countless of other options for an easier and safer profession. But your heroic deeds clearly indicate that you understand the realities of our generation in all its brutality. You took upon yourself to guard Israel and be on the lookout hour after hour. You did not sleep nor slumber on your watch. Yosef, I commit to you, that we will do everything we can to bring the perpetrators to justice and just like your life was full of meaning, so too will be your falling.We will not rest until we get the leader of this terrorist. Thanks to you and thanks to your kind, Yosef, we will continue to build our home, we will continue to develop the country, and for keep Israel safe. Rest in peace. “
Police Chief General Ronny Alsheikh Eulogy:, “Yossi, you know all too well that the Israeli Police has become the front lines to the latest wave of terror. Few people know what the intensity and sacrifice of the Israel Police to keep our walls safe for all Israeli citizens. Few know about the little pay that police officers get and how little vacation is received. You work Holydays and countless Saturdays nights, during the hot summer and wet winter, and the toll it all pays on the marriage and family. More if always asked from our policeman, especially during Jewish festivals, when people are slowing down work and celebrating with the family. The Holiday for policemen is on the street. While others celebrate at home in relative safety, you are in danger and alert and ready, for at any moment, a violent attack like today can occur. Yossi, you are your friends prevented further tragedy. As soon as you heard the gunfire, you turned on your bike and swerved into danger. You were headed straight towards the terrorist and firedat him, but as luck would have it, his bullet caught you only seconds before your comrades got closer and killed him. Time and again you put your body to protect the citizens of Israel. This time however, you paid a heavy personal price, with your own life to save the lives of others. Just last Thursday, your commanders were discussing a promotion for you. They told me about your good sense of humor that never left you even in tough times. They also told me about your special sense of optimism. Dear Yossi, your sacrifice is not anonymous – You have a loving family, wife, siblings and parents. Today every police officer joins their family. They will be an important part of the family of the Israel Police. We embrace your family and promise they will not walk alone “
His father Uzi Kirma eulogized him: “My first-born son, my soul, I love you so much… “You are my life. Now [your wife] Noy is alone. We will be with her and never abandon her – from now on she is our daughter… you were a great jewel…You were such a happy child, a child who loves to help others. Yossi, you were also my friend, you know. We would spend so much time together on Fridays.”
His widow, Noy Kirma eulogized him: “My dear Yossi, look how many people showed up just for you… My heart is shattered to bits. How many plans we had…a house…children. You always trusted me to handle things. You always loved me more than I loved myself. I don’t know how to carry on now… I do not know how to proceed. I promise to be good to you. I promise you will be proud of me. I don’t know how I will be able to continue on without you, but I promise I will. You were my backbone, watch over me…! You will always be in my heart, always, until I die.
