Shaul Kohavi, father of IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Aviv Kohavi, died on Thursday aged 89 at his home in Kiryat Bialik, with his family members staying by his side.
His funeral will be held on Sunday at the Kiryat Bialik cemetery, where he will be buried alongside his late wife Riva.
"Shaul lived a life full of meaning and contentment and passed away happy, our thoughts are all with our commander and his family," the IDF Spokesperson's Unit said.
Who is Shaul Kohavi?
Shaul Kohavi was born in Kiryat Haim in 1933 and was raised there. He joined the Nahal Training Brigade at Kibbutz Erez in the Gaza Strip, where he met his wife Riva. The two married and moved to Kiryat Bialik, where they raised their three children - their daughter Tal (64) and son Zohar (52) as well as Aviv (58) who became the Chief of Staff.
"Shaul lived a life full of meaning and contentment and passed away happy, our thoughts are all with our commander and his family."
IDF spokesperson
Riva was a physical education teacher. Shaul took a large interest in literature, culture, music and art. He also studied economics and owned a technical equipment company.
"Shaul was a man of many deeds and humble manners, a seeker of culture and a longtime resident of our city," said Kiryat Bialik Mayor Eli Dukorsky, who was Aviv Kohavi's classmate, according to Walla. "I offer my condolences to the Chief of Staff on behalf of the residents of Kiryat Bialik."