July 9, 2026
After 78 years: The grave of a soldier who fell in the War of Independence was found
קצינת צה״ל עם אחותו של יעקב זריהן. צילום: אתר צה״ל
For 78 years, the location of Private Yaakov Zrihan's grave was unknown.
The IDF has now announced that his grave has been found.
The investigation lasted around 15 years.
Yaakov Zrihan immigrated to Israel from Morocco at the end of 1947.
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Shortly afterward, he enlisted in the IDF. He participated in the convoys to Jerusalem as part of Operation 'Harel'.
In April 1948, Yaakov Zrihan was killed in battle near Sha'ar HaGai. Alongside him, thirteen other soldiers were killed.
The investigators collected documents. They also took testimonies and examined the area. Eventually, they determined that Yaakov Zrihan was buried in a mass grave. Along with him, seven other IDF casualties are buried there.
The family received the news this week. His sister said they had waited many years for this moment. She said that now they could visit his grave for the first time. They will also be able to say Kaddish. A military ceremony will soon be held.