Soldier Who Survived Syrian Prison Died in Battle of Mitla Pass
Translated & summarized from Maariv by baba
Meir Jacobi, a soldier captured by Syrians in 1954, was later convicted of ordering his men to surrender. Despite surviving harsh captivity and a subsequent military trial, he was killed in the 1956 Battle of the Mitla Pass. His sister recounted his life, from a childhood in Jerusalem to his military service and the lasting impact of his capture and conviction.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Meir Jacobi, captured by Syrians in 1954, was convicted of ordering surrender and demoted.
- Jacobi survived 14 months of captivity and torture before being exchanged.
- He was later killed in action during the 1956 Battle of the Mitla Pass.
- His sister shared memories of his life and the lasting shame of his capture.
- Jacobi was posthumously honored for his heroism in his final battle.
Meir Jacobi, a soldier who survived captivity in Syria, ultimately fell in the Battle of the Mitla Pass. Jacobi was the commander of a squad that was captured in Syria alongside Uri Ilan. Upon his return to Israel, Jacobi was stripped of his rank and honor for ordering his men to surrender without a fight. Although he was later acquitted on appeal, the stigma continued to haunt him.
Jacobi's sister, Rachel Einbal-Jacobi, now 94, recounted the painful story, sharing memories of their childhood in Jerusalem and their shared love for exploring the land. Jacobi grew up in a modest home and was deeply connected to nature and agriculture, working in the fields of Kibbutz Beit Alfa. He was known for his adventurous spirit and his close bond with his commander and friend, Meir Har Zion.
In 1953, Jacobi enlisted in the Paratroopers and became the deputy commander of a reconnaissance unit. During a mission near the Syrian border, his squad was ambushed. Jacobi, who spoke Arabic, attempted to de-escalate the situation but was wounded and forced to order his men to surrender. They were captured and taken to Damascus, where they endured harsh interrogations and torture. Uri Ilan, one of the captives, committed suicide in his cell.
After 14 months of captivity, Jacobi and 40 other Syrian prisoners were exchanged for five Israelis. Upon his return, Jacobi faced a military court for ordering his men to surrender and for allegedly revealing classified information. He was convicted of "deplorable conduct in the face of the enemy" for the surrender order and demoted from sergeant to private, but acquitted of revealing secrets.
Despite the conviction, Jacobi continued his military service, participating in operations in the West Bank. He was later killed in action during the Battle of the Mitla Pass in 1956. His sister remembers him as a brave man whose spirit was broken by the shame of his capture, only to find redemption and his end in a final act of heroism.