As a boy, he experienced the persecution and violence directed against the local Jewish community by the National Legionary State and the Ion Antonescu regime.

His expertise and military genius made him a common advisor in the Israeli Navy headquarters under the Command of Shlomo Arel.

For his heroism, Barkai received the Medal of Distinguished Service, which he accepted on behalf of all the Israeli missile ship fighters.

[3] In 1979 Barkai was tried by a military tribunal for an alleged rape of a female non-commissioned officer.

He was acquitted due to lack of corroborating evidence but was relieved of his command by Defence Minister Ezer Weizman.