Basketball Star Yitzhak Hochman Fell Rescuing Wounded in Suez
Yitzhak (Hochela) Hochman, a celebrated Israeli basketball player from the 1960s and 70s, was killed during the Yom Kippur War while attempting to rescue wounded soldiers in the Egyptian city of Suez. Hochman, who was a captain and intelligence officer for Brigade 500, volunteered for a dangerous mission to extract soldiers trapped in an ambush on October 24, 1973, the final day of the war. He was part of a nine-man team that entered the city in an armored personnel carrier, which sustained direct hits from anti-tank weapons, killing Hochman and several others. His body, along with others, remained in the field for three months due to the chaos of battle, leading to a period of intense uncertainty for his pregnant wife, Rachel.
Hochman was a standout athlete, excelling not only in basketball but also in track and field. In basketball, he was instrumental in leading Maccabi Tel Aviv from a lower league to the national league and was the first player from a lower division to be called up to the national team. His unique ability to shoot with both hands and his athletic prowess made him a formidable player. He also briefly played handball for Maccabi Tel Aviv, helping them avoid relegation before returning his full focus to basketball.
Beyond his athletic achievements, Hochman was remembered as a noble and graceful individual. His son, actor Uri Hochman, shared that many prominent figures, including singer Arik Einstein and director Eitan Green, spoke of his father's remarkable character. Sports commentator Shimi Riger recalled Hochman as having the most stylish game in Israel. Hochman was also deeply committed to his religious values, famously foregoing a spot on the national basketball team to observe the Sabbath with his fiancée before their wedding.
Hochman pursued studies in criminology with the aim of helping at-risk youth, and his son Uri received his academic degree posthumously. His legacy continues through his family, with his grandson currently playing basketball for Maccabi Tel Aviv.
