This past week has been a very tragic one in the lives of all of us involved in the Partnership 2000-Emissary Program. One of our emissaries, Ilan Mirkov, from Afula, resided in Stamford while participating in the program was involved in a fatal car crash on Monday, January 21, 2002.

Over 500 people attended his funeral in Afula, including SNEC's Partnership 2000 Chairperson and Coordinator.

Ilan who was 19, was a very talented young man and everyone adored him. He was born in Uzbikistan, Russia and made aliyah with his family to Israel 12 years ago and has lived in Afula the entire time. In addition to his parents he is also survived by his brothers, Michael-17 years old, Tzion-13 years old and Idan-7 years old.

His main focus in school was History and Oral Law.

The following was Ilan's respons on the application form as to why he wanted to be part of the emissary program: "I join the delegation because I think that I have so much to give for improving the relations between the communities, and to teach about Israel. In addition this year is about to make me more mature, stronger, smarter and to open my horizons. After returning to serve in the army I intend to learn Management. I hope that we all are going to have a great year together and I expect to start our work."

  Shvat 5762 - February 2002