- Ilan Ramon (Far right, top row of photo) was a real-life
hero, who perceived his mission as a symbol of peace for all humanity.
Ilan was a bona fide hero for the whole Jewish world, and for the State
of Israel.
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- We at the Israel Air Force family find it difficult to
imagine our lives without him. Since the earliest days of his service in
the IAF he devoted his life to defending the State of Israel. He was one
of the eight angels who flew to Iraq to save the world from nuclear threat
when he was only in his twenties, and he continued this long service, reaching
the highest honor of becoming the first Israeli Astronaut.
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- In addition to so many other causes to which Ilan devoted
himself and his energies, establishing the Israel Air Force Center was
something that he fervently believed in, and worked towards. Ilan Ramon
represented the vision and the belief of the Israel Air Force that we must
always look towards the future. Ilan symbolized the ambition of the Force,
and of the entire nation, to conduct the type of research which would benefit
the entire world.
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- The research that we will conduct at the Institute of
Strategic Air and Space Studies, located within the Israel Air Force Center,
is intended to utilize the knowledge which has been gathered over the years,
including the scientific experiments which Ilan Ramon conducted in space.
The most significant expression that we can now give to Ilan's memory is
to continue this research, and keep on training people like Ilan Ramon.
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- Ilan was sent to space to create our heritage. Because
of the tragic circumstances, the legacy that he created is today accompanied
by the pain and loss, but it is mixed with pride in his achievements during
his all-too-short lifespan. We will dedicate this research and the studies
at the Center to the legacy of Ilan Ramon, who was our pioneer in Space.
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- Ilan had taken with him into space a mezuzah that was
to have been consecrated in a place of honor at the Israel Air Force Center.
Now, instead, we will dedicate a special place of honor to his memory and
to the legacy and heritage he left behind him for the future generations.
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- The memorial at the Israel Air Force Center will also
pay tribute to the six courageous American astronauts who were Ilanís
colleagues on this Mission, emphasizing the very special bond and relationship
between the American people, the State of Israel, and the Jewish nation.
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- Members of the Israel Air Force family and supporters
of the Center from around the world will pass on Ilanís legacy,
and will cherish his memory throughout the generations. The support he
gave to establishing the Israel Air Force Center will always be treasured.
His memory, and his sacrifice, will not be in vain. We will ensure that
he will continue to live forever in our hearts, and all future generations
will study the story of Ilan Ramon, who was truly the embodiment of the
State of Israel.
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- At this moment, our hearts reach out to his family, to
his wife Rona and his four children. They will miss him, as will we all,
but their pride in him and in his achievements will know no bounds. We
know that Ilan was a man among men. Although the mission itself has ended
with unbearable tragedy, nonetheless his involvement in it has given us
an amazing sense of national pride.
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- The Israel Air Force family and the entire Jewish nation
send their condolences and wish to express their profound grief at the
tragic death of the six American Astronauts, Ilan Ramon's colleagues on
this Mission and his friends. May their memories be blessed forever, Amen.
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- The Israel Air Force Foundation
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