Israel Tzuriel, Hero of Ammunition Hill Battle, Dies at 83

Israel Tzuriel, a decorated hero of the Six-Day War battle for Ammunition Hill, has passed away at the age of 83. Tzuriel was a machine gunner in the 66th Battalion of the 55th Paratroopers Brigade, which fought to capture the northern approaches to Jerusalem's Old City.

During the intense fighting, Tzuriel famously emerged from trenches to provide covering fire for his comrades against advancing Jordanian Legionnaires. He expended all his ammunition before returning to the trench. Following the death of fellow soldier Eitan Naveh, who was later memorialized in a song about the battle, Tzuriel again climbed out of the trenches to cover his unit's advance to a large bunker.

For his actions, Tzuriel was awarded the Medal of Courage, one of several decorations given to soldiers in that battle. He was one of eleven soldiers from his unit to receive the Medal of Courage, with three receiving the Medal of Valor and Eitan Naveh receiving the Medal of Heroism.

Tzuriel lived in Kiryat Shmuel and took pride that his grandchildren also served as officers in the Paratroopers Brigade. His funeral was held today at the old cemetery in Haifa.