Shoval Ya'akov
Shoval, known to his friends as “Shovalim” (because he made as much noise as many people put together).
He was born and raised in Mehola, a small village in the Jordan Valley, and spent most of his adult life on Kibbutz Ma’oz Haim in Emek Ha'Maayanot.
From a very young age, he would rise with the first light to work in the fishponds and fisheries in Emek Ha'Maayanot. He was a dedicated and hardworking man whose passion was aquaculture and fish farming. He always said: “Only buy Israeli fish, eh?!”
Shoval was a beautiful, sweet, mischievous child. Although he faced learning challenges and moved between educational frameworks, he never gave up. He always began again, carving out his own unique path with determination. He loved basketball and played competitively since childhood at "Gilboa-Ma'ayanot" club , and as an adult he took part in the Jordan Valley’s senior league.
Shoval lived a simple life, and loved scenery, music and friends, parties and excitement.
He loved fooling around and laughing, but those who knew him understood that he was also serious and full of depth. A man of truth, creativity, unconventional, and a free- thinker. He was devoted to his family and friends, loyal and kind-hearted.
He was a loving partner to Noam (“Nono”) Cohen, with whom he planned to build a family, but never had the chance. He left a profound mark on the hearts of those he touched, leaving behind an empty void.
He was one of a kind - unique and irreplaceable.
Shoval was a close friend and a classmate of Dvir and Adar at Shaked School in Sde Eliyahu.
On the night of October 5, 2023, the company hosted an evening event at its mobile bar in the company’s exhibition area—located, fittingly, in the old fish ponds of Sde Eliyahu. That evening was the last time we were fortunate enough to sit, talk, and laugh with Shoval.
Shoval (O.B.M) went to the "Nova" festival in Re’im to help his friend Dror Bahat (O.B.M) and his partner Liraz Uliel to construct the stage and it's design, together with Oded Abergil (O.B.M) and Avidan Turgeman (O.B.M). Liraz, the set designer, survived, while all four others were murdered at the festival site, on "Simchat Torah" (a Jewish festival) 5784, October 7, 2023. After five days, Shoval’s body was identified, and he was laid to rest in the cemetery of his hometown, Mehola.
He was 27 years old.
