Yaki Hetz, Hero of Ammunition Hill and Israel Security Prize Laureate, Dies at 77
Translated & summarized from Srugim by baba
Yaakov (Yaki) Hetz, a decorated hero of the Battle of Ammunition Hill and a recipient of the Israel Security Award, died at age 77. He received the Medal of Courage for his actions in the 1967 Six-Day War and later contributed to developing advanced defense systems, including the "Ma'oz" drone. Hetz also dedicated himself to preserving the memory of the battle and published his autobiography in 2023. He was honored by lighting a torch at Israel's 69th Independence Day ceremony in 2017.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Yaki Hetz, a hero of the Battle of Ammunition Hill and recipient of the Medal of Courage, died at 77.
- He was awarded the Israel Security Prize in 1982 for his work in defense development.
- Hetz conceived the idea for the advanced "Ma'oz" attack drone system.
- He lit a torch at Israel's 69th Independence Day ceremony in 2017.
- Hetz published his autobiography, "First Baptism by Fire," in 2023.
- His story is commemorated at the Six-Day War Museum at Ammunition Hill.
Yaakov (Yaki) Hetz, a decorated hero of the Battle of Ammunition Hill during the Six-Day War and a recipient of the Israel Security Award, has passed away at the age of 77. Hetz, who was deeply identified with the legacy of the battle for Jerusalem's liberation for decades, was also a defense development figure at Rafael Advanced Defense Systems. In 2017, he was chosen to light a torch at Israel's 69th Independence Day ceremony.
Hetz, then 21 and a fighter in the 66th Battalion of the Paratroopers Brigade, fought in the intense Battle of Ammunition Hill in 1967. After his platoon commander was wounded, Hetz assumed command of the unit and led his soldiers under heavy fire. For his bravery and actions in the battle, he was awarded the Medal of Courage. Six years later, he also participated in the Yom Kippur War. Approximately 40 years after the Six-Day War, he received a special commendation for his actions in the Chinese Farm area and for rescuing wounded soldiers at great personal risk.
Following his military service, Hetz continued his career in national security, contributing to the development of advanced combat systems at Rafael. In 1982, he won the Israel Security Award for his work. Notably, he conceived the idea that led to the development of the "Ma'oz" system, an advanced attack drone designed for ground forces. Hetz stated that this concept was partly inspired by his experiences at Ammunition Hill and his desire to equip future soldiers with capabilities he and his comrades lacked in 1967.
Beyond his military and defense contributions, Hetz dedicated significant time to preserving the memory of the battle and the stories of Jerusalem's defenders. He engaged with young people, sharing accounts of his comrades and battles. In 2023, he published his autobiography, "First Baptism by Fire." His story is also commemorated at the Six-Day War Museum at Ammunition Hill, where mourners gathered to bid him farewell.
Menachem Landau, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Ammunition Hill, eulogized Hetz, stating, "Yaki Hetz was an integral part of Ammunition Hill, not only as one of the heroes of the battle for Jerusalem's liberation and unification, but as a person who dedicated his life to action, creation, and passing on the legacy to future generations." Landau added, "To us, he was much more than a fighter and a hero of Israel, he was family, a partner, and a dear friend. His story of heroism is preserved in the Six-Day War Museum on the Hill, but his legacy lives far beyond its walls." The Ammunition Hill organization expressed their sorrow, calling him an "exceptional person who combined heroism, modesty, creativity, and deep commitment to the State of Israel and future generations."
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