St-Sgt Ya-acov Krenschel

April 1, 2001 - Staff Sgt. Ya'akov Krenschel, 23, of Nahariya, an IDF reserve soldier, was killed in a firefight between army and Palestinian forces southeast of Nablus.

Staff Sgt. Ya'akov Krenschel was serving as a lookout at an IDF position at the eastern entrance to Kfar Salem. Palestinians opened fire, which was returned by IDF soldiers. Krenschel was shot in the head by a Palestinian sniper, and despite preliminary medical care, died of his wounds.

Friends and relatives who converged on the family's home in northern Nahariya described Krenschel as a good, hard-working person who epitomized the spirit of Israel. "He loved to help and contribute and was always full of life," said a close friend. Ya'akov's parents had immigrated to Israel from the Soviet Union 28 years ago.

Krenschel was employed as a security officer at a large factory in Nahariya and was called up for reserve duty two weeks ago. He had been due to be released from service later this week, and had planned to spend the Passover holiday at home with his family and girlfriend.

Ya'akov Krenchel is survived by his parents and a brother. He was buried in the military cemetery in Nahariya.