Sgt Matanya Robinson, 21, of Kibbutz Tirat Tzvi, was the son of American parents who immigrated to Israel in 1979. Matanya was a gentle, sensitive person who sought to bring together religious and secular Jews. He developed a passion for photography and worked in the fishponds in his kibbutz. Before serving in the Golani Brigade, Matanya studied in Jerusalem and organized community activities in Gilo. He was killed on April 8, 2002 by Palestinian gunfire in Jenin during Operation Defensive Shield. Matanya is survived by parents, Reena and Mark, three brothers and a sister.
