Danny and the Cobbler

In memory of Danny Teichler

Born in Jerusalem, 29th of Adar, 5713 (March 16, 1953). Fell in Egypt, 12th of Tishrei, 5734 (October 8, 1973)

When he was in Grade 1, Danny used to visit an old and frail cobbler every day. When he was killed in the Yom Kippur War, the cobbler made a surprise visit to the family to express his condolences. Tal Cohen, the creator of the memorial clip, says that she chose to convey this story without words and from the viewpoint of each of the characters. 

Danny was a naughty little boy who you had to run after all the time and watch every minute. On his first day in kindergarten, he told his mother, who was accompanying him, “Tomorrow, I’m going alone.” And from that point onward, he didn’t let anyone accompany him. A few weeks later, his mother noticed that Danny was coming home late every day from kindergarten. After she checked things out, she discovered that her son had decided to visit an old cobbler who lived alone in the neighborhood. She was angry at Danny and demanded that he come straight home. “But Mum, the cobbler is so lonely,” he begged her. “He sits alone all day.” He continued to visit the cobbler and the two developed a special friendship. Danny was killed in the Yom Kippur War at the age of 21. Among the visitors who came to console the family was the old cobbler whom Danny's mother hardly knew.

Danny Teichler z"l

Many things were recounted about Danny after his death, but his most prominent trait, which was mentioned again and again, was giving to others. During the school vacation, he volunteered to help out at the Magen David Adom station in Jerusalem and even did a first aid course. He visited the sick even after he was no longer at the station, whether in the hospital or at their homes. He established deep friendships with them and would visit them even after they had recovered. 

Danny joined the army in early February 1972. He asked to join the Medical Corps as a medic, but instead was sent to the Armored Corps. He was an excellent gunner and was responsible and dedicated to his job. His pleasant demeanor and patience were an example to his friends. He didn’t care much for discipline but demanded precise execution. For his part in operational activities he was awarded the Operational Service Badge. 

When the Yom Kippur War broke out, Danny's unit was sent to the Sinai front and fought in the defensive battles against the Egyptians. On the 12th of Tishri, 5734 (October 8, 1973) Danny was killed in the Central Sector, at the Nozel outpost. His tank was hit by a missile and he was killed on the spot.  At first, he was considered to be missing in action, but his body was eventually located. On the 20th of Adar, 5734 (March 14, 1974) he was buried in the cemetery on Mount Herzl in Jerusalem. He left behind a father, a mother and three sisters. In a letter of condolence to the bereaved family, his commander wrote: “Danny z”l was a dedicated and reliable soldier. He fought with bravery and carried out his orders with courage and a recognition of the calling that he was answering.”

Interview with Judy Abramson (Teichler), Danny's sister, who describes him as a child and talks about the feelings of longing and missed opportunities
 

Thoughts from Tal Cohen who created the film: A Story without words
The special connection between Danny Teichler and the old cobbler moved me greatly. The film describes their meeting and the special friendship that formed between them over the years, as well as the surprising condolence visit by the old cobbler whom Danny's mother hardly knew. I tried to convey the story almost without words, from the point of view of Danny, his mother and the cobbler. 

In choosing the style, I tried to create an illustration-like atmosphere that represents a child’s naiveté. I was grateful for the privilege to create a clip that uses animation to commemorate one of the IDF's fallen—a memory that is taken from real life.