Besides not being popular as a name, the word “שרב” was one half of a phrase that had a special significance to any Israelis who had spent a chunk of 1991 in bomb shelters, fleeing the Iraqi SCUD missiles. “שרב כבד” (heavy Sharav, often translated as “heat wave”) was the radio signal for “all clear,” allowing people to leave their shelters. Lots of people shouted out שרב כבד! when they learned his name.
Sharav resting on his poof in my living room. Tel Aviv, February 2009. Click any photo to see more.