Yaki Hatz, Ammunition Hill Hero and Israel Security Prize Laureate, Dies at 80
Translated & summarized from Ynet by baba
Yaakov (Yaki) Hatz, a decorated hero of the Battle of Ammunition Hill and a recipient of the Israel Security Prize, died at age 80. Hatz, who received the Medal of Courage for his actions in 1967, also contributed to defense innovation, co-developing the "Ma'oz" drone. He was honored with a torch-lighting ceremony in 2017 and authored an autobiography. Hatz dedicated decades to educating youth about the battle and preserving its memory.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Yaki Hatz, decorated hero of the Battle of Ammunition Hill, died at 80.
- He received the Medal of Courage for bravery during the 1967 Six-Day War.
- Hatz co-developed the "Ma'oz" attack drone while working at Rafael.
- He was awarded the Israel Security Prize in 1982 for his defense work.
- Hatz was chosen to light a torch at Israel's 2017 Independence Day ceremony.
- He authored an autobiography and dedicated years to educating youth about the battle.
Yaakov (Yaki) Hatz, a decorated combatant from the Six-Day War and a key figure in the Battle of Ammunition Hill, passed away at the age of 80. Hatz, who was 21 during the historic battle for Jerusalem, became a symbol of the fight. He took command of his platoon after his commander was wounded and led his soldiers under heavy fire, earning him the Medal of Courage for his bravery. He also fought in the Yom Kippur War, receiving a special commendation decades later for his actions in the Chinese Farm area, where he rescued wounded soldiers at great personal risk.
Beyond his military service, Hatz was a significant figure in defense innovation. While working at Rafael, he co-developed advanced combat systems, including the "Ma'oz" attack drone. This idea stemmed from his combat experience, aiming to provide future soldiers with capabilities he and his comrades lacked in 1967. His defense work earned him the Israel Security Prize in 1982.
Hatz was also dedicated to preserving historical memory and educating younger generations. For decades, he shared the story of the Jerusalem fighters, meeting with youth to recount the battle and the experiences of his fellow soldiers. In 2023, he published his autobiography, "First Baptism," detailing the battle from his perspective. His story is memorialized at the Six-Day War Museum on Ammunition Hill.
Menachem Landau, Chairman of the Ammunition Hill Association, eulogized Hatz as an integral part of the Ammunition Hill community, not just as a hero but as someone who dedicated his life to creation and passing on heritage. Landau described Hatz as a multifaceted individual with vast knowledge and a youthful spirit, who combined heroism, modesty, creativity, and deep commitment to Israel. Hatz was chosen to light a torch at the 2017 Independence Day ceremony.
Mentioned
