Honoring
MAJOR BENJI TRAKENISKI
17.10.1990 - 07.10.2023
This site is dedicated to the memory of Major Benji Trakeniski
a courageous soldier, devoted friend, and a loving human being.
Major Benji Trakeniski fell on 7th October 2023, ten days before his 33rd birthday.
He, together with five officers of the 7th Armored Division, had traveled from their northern base to the south as the rumors of the horrors of the Sabbath Massacre started to be heard.
They volunteered to be there, their overwhelming sense of duty and commitment called them to action.
As the day’s events unfolded and with numerous face -to -face combat with terrorists, Benji was responsible for saving more than 80 citizens on Kibbutz Be’eri, taking them to safety despite being under relentless fire.
Benji was a committed soldier who believed in protecting his family, protecting his country.
He was mischievous, caring, loved by his friends and family, passionate about extreme sports, compassionate and generous.
He supported Holocaust survivors since his teens, giving from his pocket money and later from his salary. He was supportive of soldiers under his command, listened to their problems enlisting friends, family and all he knew to help.
Benji’s strong moral compass guided him and those around him to be leaders by example.
Life and Military Journey
Major Benji Trakeniski dedicated his life to serving his country and was a valiant soldier. His unwavering commitment and bravery inspired those around him, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of many. His legacy lives on through the remarkable stories of his military achievements and selfless acts of heroism.
Born and raised in Herzliya to immigrant parents, Liz from England and Yisrael from Russia, Benji was destined to be proud of his country. He attended the local arts elementary school where he quickly was identified for his leadership and even his dance skills. At his high school he was able to follow one of many passions, marine sports.
However, more importantly he formed unbreakable bonds with an extraordinary group of talented and no less mishchevious friends.
Following his enlistment in August 2009 to the Armored Corps he joined Pulsar 7, a small highly trained unit mainly involved in reconaisance. He retrained in later years to be a tank commander responsible for an eleven tank unit.
He represented Israel's IDF in the US and at an international conference in Germany, was often in the press as he spoke of the IDF's role, importance and commitment.
His knowledge of modern history was impressive and the lessons learnt helped him in his military life.
His smile and his "special" English together with a huge dose of charm, reinforced by knowledge and expertise made Benji a winner. Always modest and always a gentleman, Benji was a role model to follow.
His impact on everyone whom he met was immense. His legacy will continue his work.
He will not be forgotten.
Combat Story
October 7th, 2023
At 6:30 on Saturday morning, 07.10.2023, Rotem, Benji’s fiancée, and Benji are asleep in their Tel-Aviv apartment.
Rotem wakes up from endless phone calls and messages realizing that something is happening in the Gaza Strip based on the number of red alerts being sounded around Israel. Worried, Rotem wakes Benji and informs him about the many sirens. Benji responds “It's not in Tel Aviv, you can go back to sleep”.
Five minutes later, Benji receives a phone call..
Articles
Various articles published about Major Benjamin Benji Trakeniski
The late Major Benji Trakeniski, fell on 7.10
While rescuing dozens of civilians from hell in Kibbutz Be’eri.
Benji was engaged to Rotem, and was about to fulfill his dream and build a home and family in Israel.
Roy, May, Yoyo and Tabech, Benji's childhood friends, were partners in the creation of a moving song, which was inspired by the vows that Rotem wrote and planned to read to him on their wedding day.
Benji was a noble man, who dedicated his life to others, to his people and to the State of Israel.
Benji's Way
A fund dedicated to continue Benji’s passions and follow the path he created for himself and others.
Learning Disabilities – a pilot program is being created at Reichman University aimed at assisting and providing solutions for students with learning challenges. The pilot is based on Benji’s personal experience and the methods he employed to achieve both BA and MA degrees despite being dyscalculia, dyslexic, dysgraphia and ADHD.
The city of Herzliya, where Benji lived, has dedicated a park and play area to his memory. The equipment reflects Benji’s passion for Ninja, CrossFit training and physical exercise.
Ichilov Hospital in Tel Aviv will be the recipient of vital equipment in the trauma ER in the form of a gas analyzer unit providing immediate information necessary for patients quick and effective treatment.
An annual Regatta will be held involving institutions, NGO’s and families who share Benji’s passion for the sea and marine sports.
On Benji’s birthday in October, CrossFit Tel Aviv will hold the second Heroes Day and annually thereafter. With the emphasis on intensive training which Benji held as one of his key values, participants will be challenged to explore their inner physical and mental strengths. Benji was often heard to encourage others, “Be strong, it’s all in your mind”.
Together with the 7th Armored Division’s base in the north we will create a space for the welfare of the soldiers in Benji’s memory.
The Fund is continuing Benji’s support for Holocaust survivors.
The fund is contributing to the Amuta (NGO) Pulsar 7.
An extraordinary and beautiful song has been released, a love letter about Benji and Rotem.
