Sunday, April 3, 2022
In 1974 I worked as a doorman in a building owned by my family, while in graduate school. One evening a very handsome man walks into the lobby, take a look at me and tells me "You are from Kibbutz Yagur, aren't you?" I look at him in complete astonishment. "How do you know that?" I asked. He smiles at me and says "because you are from Zeevik's and Oransky's Class, and I saw you when I was visiting them while serving together with them in Sayeret Matkal." That was Hanan - the most encyclopedic, most knowledgeable, most curious with the most vast, widest spectrum of information on anything, anywhere, any time. We became and remained friends ever since. Years later it was Hanan who shared with me the secrets of Larchmont, and urged me to buy a house there. I did. Thank you Hanan!!! Years later Hanan and his Sayeret Matkal's friends started a hiking group. I was invited to join that group and hiked and climbed mountains with Hanan all over the world. Hanan doubled in those hikes as a physician, and had plenty of medical issues to deal with - always with a big smile, calm and amazing medical knowledge. In addition to his vast medical expertise, Hanan was the ultimate expert and Maven on anything hiking related: gadgets, gear, clothing, shoes, medical evacuations, flights and anything else imaginable. Always sharing his knowledge enthusiastically and warmly with anyone. On hikes, Hanan had a unique walking method - like a human metronome - steady and consistent pace, no matter what. Often, the conditions of the hike mattered a lot - the slop, the weather, the weight on our back, and the height of the mountain. Not for Hanan. The pace remained undeterred and unimpeded no matter what! I saw Hanan last time at a Candle Lighting Hanukah party at Ilana and Reuven's Sacher 4 months ago. He was already very ill and looked it. But you could not tell it from his smile and talking - warm, curious and eager to learn more. I am so sad to have lost a reliable partner for hiking, the warmest friend, a person you always learned something new from, the ultimate Mensch, and a true friend. My heart goes to you Amira, Karin, Niv and your beautiful families. May you never know sorrow again and may the good memory of Hanan be for blessing.
