The remains of IDF soldier Private Yaakov Zrihan, killed during Israel’s War of Independence, were identified after being found in an unmarked mass grave in Kiryat Enavim, the military announced on Wednesday.
The findings follow a 15-year investigation by the IDF’s Missing Persons Branch, which noted that the grave contained the remains of seven additional IDF soldiers.
The investigation included locating and analyzing documents, interviewing witnesses, conducting soil analyses, and conducting archaeological surveys, the IDF added.
Zrihan made Aliyah from Casablanca, Morocco, in 1947 with the youth movement and enlisted in the Palmach on April 12, 1948.
According to the IDF, he is believed to have been a member of a convoy to free the besieged city of Jerusalem and was likely killed near Shaar Hagai on April 20, 1948.
The IDF said that a state ceremony will be planned for the late private, noting the significance of the findings 78 years after his disappearance.
Zrihan’s family, including his sisters, was updated by the IDF Chief Human Resources Officer and the Casualty Brigade Chief, Brig.-Gen. Edna Ilya, following the investigation’s conclusion.
“It is our privilege to continue to act out of a deep moral obligation to bring comfort and accompany the bereaved families,” said Ilya.
This is a developing story.
