David Erez was born in Jerusalem on May 23, 1942 and grew up in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. When he was sixteen David moved to Australia where he studied art while supporting himself with a variety of jobs, including doing graphic art and as a cartoonist. He was part of the neo-realism school and his work was exhibited in numerous places. Upon his return to Israel in 1965 he was inducted into the IDF and he fought in the Six Day War before his release from active service. He worked in Tel Aviv for several years before going to the US to continue his studies in graphic art, for which was awarded several scholarships. While in the US, he frequently lectured in various Jewish communities on the subject of Jewish history. With the outbreak of the Yom Kippur War David returned immediately to Israel and joined his unit in Sinai. After a fierce battle against the Egyptians, his unit took up position on the west bank of the canal. Early in the morning of October 28, 1973 the Israeli position came under intense fire from the Egyptians. When David stood up to locate the source of the fire he was killed by an exploding grenade. He was buried in Beer Sheva and was survived by his wife, son and his parents.
He was remembered by his commanding officer: 'In every mission given to his company, David stood out because of his initiative, his willingness to act, and especially his good spirit … David was, in life and in death, a symbol and an example of all that is good among Israeli youth.'
