Last Surviving Flag Raiser at Umm Rashrash Dies at 95

Yohanan Elishov, one of the last surviving fighters from the 1948 War of Independence and the final participant in the iconic "Ink Flag" raising ceremony at Umm Rashrash, has passed away at the age of 95. Elishov died at his home in Petah Tikva, the city where he was born and lived, and where he was laid to rest on September 14, 2026.

Born in 1931, Elishov left school early to work in a garage, acquiring technical skills. At 15, he falsified his age to enlist in the Palmach, undergoing training under future IDF Chief of Staff Rafael Eitan. During the War of Independence, he served in the Fourth Battalion, "The Breakers," of the Harel Brigade. He participated in battles around Jerusalem, including the battles for the road to Jerusalem, the capture of Beit Susin, Beit Iksa, and Beit Mahsir, and an attempt to break through to the Old City via Zion Gate.

Elishov was also involved in the Negev front, fighting in the isolated Negev and participating in Operations Yoav, Lot, and Horev, including the capture of Beersheba. A key moment in his service was Operation Fact, where he was involved in the capture of Eilat. He served as a driver for Southern Front commander Yigal Allon and later drove the forward command and reconnaissance jeep used by Negev Brigade commander Nahum Sarig. On March 10, 1949, Elishov was among the first 13 fighters to reach the Umm Rashrash police station, where he participated in the raising of the makeshift "Ink Flag," a symbol of the war's end and the capture of Eilat.

After his release from the IDF in 1949, Elishov continued in the reserves, serving in the Artillery Corps and participating in the Sinai War, the Six-Day War, the Yom Kippur War, and the First Lebanon War. In his civilian career, he worked for Solel Boneh for about 30 years, initially as a heavy vehicle driver involved in road construction in southern Israel, the Dead Sea, and the Makhteshim region. Later, he served as a purchasing agent for the company's factories division.

In his later years, Elishov dedicated himself to passing on his experiences to younger generations, lecturing at pre-military academies and high schools. He also volunteered with the Diabetes Association. Elishov is survived by his large family.