Israeli Reserve Soldier Killed in Southern Lebanon Vehicle Accident

On Thursday morning, it was announced that Reserve Sergeant Basil Sweid, 32, from Pki'in, a driver of the 75th Battalion, 'Sa'ar mi-Golan' (7), was killed in southern Lebanon. Preliminary data indicate that yesterday, around 22:50, during operational activity, the vehicle he was driving overturned in the Rav-a-Taltin area in southern Lebanon. As a result of the incident, an IDF soldier was also moderately injured. The soldier was taken to a hospital for medical treatment, and his family was notified. In a statement published by the Pki'in council, it was said: 'With deep sorrow and pain we express sincere condolences to the Sweid family and all residents of Pki'in on the death of a village resident, a reservist, a man of impeccable reputation and good name, Basil Fuad Sweid. His funeral will take place today at 17:00.' Basil worked as an operations coordinator in the administrative department of the RAMBAM Medical Center in Haifa – in this area he excelled and communicated with the vast majority of the hospital's 6,500 employees. Dr. Michal Mekel, CEO of RAMBAM, said: 'This is a very sad day for the entire RAMBAM family – to wake up to such terrible news. My heart is broken. Basil spent hundreds of days in reserve in recent years, a man who gave himself to Israeli society boundlessly, and here at RAMBAM he is also well known for his dedication and willingness to help, always with a smile. He took an active part in organizing the hospital's work during the war, and everything was done in a pleasant and peaceful atmosphere. I send warm hugs to his family in Pki'in, who are now shrouded in deep mourning. May they have no more sorrow.' Nissim Haim, Vice President of Human Resources, Operations and Infrastructure at RAMBAM Medical Center, said: 'Basil was part of the RAMBAM family, a dedicated, beloved and respected employee, an example of dedication, responsibility and selflessness – both in the hospital and in public service. Just two weeks ago, Basil's picture was displayed on the hospital screens as part of a campaign honoring RAMBAM reservists. The campaign was aimed at highlighting the faces and stories of RAMBAM employees who combine their mission in the hospital with reserve service, and within this campaign, hospital employees were presented in a photo divided into two parts – half in RAMBAM work uniform and half in IDF uniform – as a symbol of the dual identity, responsibility and dedication they carry every day. Today this photo takes on a particularly painful meaning.'