Benji (Benjamin) Trakeniski, a military officer in the 7th division and graduate of the Lauder School of Government, Diplomacy & Strategy, was killed in battle in Kibbutz Be’eri while fighting fiercely to save the lives of dozens of kibbutz members. Benji was a member of the management team of the university’s Ofek Forum. He was a leading and influential student, a beacon of light, joy, and volunteerism. He believed in goodness, saw the boundless possibilities in life, and had a substantial following. As a leading member of the Ofek Forum, on a fully voluntary basis, he was the point of contact for all students who served in the IDF reserves. He took care of them, thought about ways to improve and enrich their studies, offered a listening ear, was a true friend, and never gave up on anyone. He transformed the campus experience into a more positive, enjoyable and meaningful journey for everyone.
Sharon, Benji's younger sister, writes: “Benji was a big brother in every sense of the word, with endless and almost fatherly concern. I always knew he was there for me. Still, as far as I was concerned, I was always there to care for him, no less than he did for me. Countless shares that have reached me in the last two weeks (whether in messages or social media), hundreds of visitors who came to sit shiva, from the closest circles to the furthest – all taught me that they had "their" own Benji. Everyone, even complete strangers, felt that ‘Benji changed their lives’ and he did so whether in the most momentary contacts or years-long connections. He had the ability and desire to do for the sake of doing. Certificates, recognition and rewards never motivated him".
Another evidence of this was when Prof. Boaz Ganor, Prof. Rafi Melnick, Prof. Assaf Mogdam and Dr. Eitan Azani came to Benji's house on behalf of the University and the Ofek Forum and presented his family with his Bachelor's degree, which he was unable to receive himself.
“He didn't just choose to study at Reichman University, he loved it. He saw his potential within the institution and invested a lot to realize it. He took advantage of it - as he did with all other areas of his life - to the fullest".
Sharon also writes: "Another thing that can be learned from Benji's life, is to use our time to the maximum and optimum. Every minute was accounted for and dedicated to work, learning, family, friends, love and giving back. Another integral part of Benji's personality stands almost in contradiction to everything I have described so far: before anything else, stood a playful guy with sparkling eyes, who liked to tease me, to dance, who had a rolling, infectious laugh, that would turn his face red. His soldiers adored him and always found the smile beneath the serious commander - the commander who broke ranks when he came to talk to them, the friend who was such a central core among the various friendship groups he maintained at home”.
"Although physically from the day he was drafted until his last day - as a soldier and then a combat officer - he wasn’t always available, but when he was present, he was 100% present. With all the limitations that came with his position, he was involved in every detail of his friends' lives and, of course, he was an exemplary partner to Rotem, his fiancé, whose wedding we were so looking forward to and, unfortunately, we won't be lucky enough to attend. I always admired my older brother, and today, more than ever, I’m making it my goal to continue in his path as an Israeli patriot, as a contributor to the community, and as a young man who worked for the sake of doing good".
Our Benji, an officer and a gentleman, we will remember you forever.
