Last Surviving Fighter From Iconic Flag Raising Ceremony Dies at 95

Yochanan Elishov, the last surviving fighter present at the historic "Ink Flag" raising ceremony at Umm Rashrash (now Eilat) in March 1949, has passed away at the age of 95. Elishov, a Palmach veteran from the 1948 War of Independence generation, served as a runner and driver, fighting in crucial battles for the Jerusalem corridor and in the Negev.

Born in Petah Tikva to a family with unique roots, his father was a "Subbotnik" from Russia and his mother immigrated from Serbia. Despite severe dyslexia that led him to leave school at 12 to work in a garage, he possessed great wisdom and charisma. He joined the Palmach at 15 by falsifying his age, training alongside future IDF Chief of Staff Rafael Eitan.

Elishov's close bond with his platoon commander, Haim Poznansky, began when he quickly repaired Poznansky's jeep. He became Poznansky's personal runner during intense battles for Jerusalem, including the fight for the Jerusalem road and the capture of Beit Susis. He narrowly escaped death during the Battle of Nebi Samuel, where Poznansky was killed, and later helped evacuate wounded soldiers and recover weapons.

He also participated in the capture of Katamon, securing the road to Jerusalem, and the attempt to breach the Old City via Zion Gate. Later, he moved to the southern front, fighting in key battles like Operation Yoav, the capture of Beersheba, and Operation Avada, which concluded the War of Independence. During Operation Avada, he was appointed driver for Southern Front commander Yigal Allon, impressing him with his fearless attitude.

Elishov was one of the first 13 fighters to reach the police station at Umm Rashrash on March 10, 1949, where the makeshift "Ink Flag" was raised, a moment that became a symbol of the nascent state. After his discharge in 1949, he served in reserves during subsequent wars, including the Six-Day War and the Yom Kippur War.

In civilian life, Elishov worked for 30 years as a heavy vehicle driver for Solel Boneh, contributing to road construction in the South and Dead Sea regions. He later volunteered with his wife at the Diabetes Association. He battled cancer three times and is survived by his three children. In his final years, he was invited to lecture at pre-military academies and high schools about the legacy of the 1948 war. Elishov passed away in his childhood home in Petah Tikva.