David Rokni

David Rokni was born in 1932 in Iran

David Rokni was born in 1932 in Kermanshah, Iran. He was the third of 4 children of Shaaban and Gazela, and his father was a wealthy importer.

He moved to Israel in 1950 and joined Kibbutz Ashdot Yaakov. In 1952 he traveled to Iran to marry, and there he met and married his wife Ronit.

Rokni served in the Golani Brigade for 35 years in staff and training roles. He was also a sergeant major at the Bahad 11 training base.

During his service he was named commander of the torch lighting ceremony held each year on the eve of Independence Day. For this role he received an officer's rank and was called to reserve duty for 42 days every year. In 2013 a documentary film, The Ceremony, was released about the event and his role, and it won the Audience Award at the DocAviv Festival.

In May 2016 he announced his retirement, and President Reuven Rivlin hosted him at the President's Residence. Shimon Dery replaced him. Rokni lived in Ramat Gan, had 3 children, and died on March 8, 2026, and he was buried in Yarkon Cemetery.