IDF Soldier Yaakov Zrihan's Burial Site Found After Nearly 80 Years

After nearly 80 years, the burial site of IDF soldier Yaakov Zrihan has been identified following a 15-year investigation. Zrihan fell in 1948 during Operation Harel while participating in a convoy to besieged Jerusalem and was killed in combat near Shaar HaGai. His burial place had remained unknown until now.

Zrihan was buried in a mass grave at the Kiryat Anavim military cemetery alongside seven other soldiers who died in the same convoy. The discovery was made by the IDF's Missing Soldiers Division after extensive research, including document analysis, witness interviews, ground surveys, and archaeological studies.

Yaakov Zrihan immigrated to Israel from Casablanca, Morocco, in December 1947 aboard the immigrant ship "HaPoratzim" and joined the "Sneh" training group. He enlisted in April 1948 and served as a driver in the Etzioni Brigade. He died on April 20, 1948, and was buried on April 22 at Kiryat Anavim.

The IDF announced that a state military ceremony will soon be held to place a gravestone in his honor. Brigadier General Edna Ilia, head of the Human Resources and Casualties Division, called the closure of the case an "emotional closure" and emphasized the army's moral commitment to supporting bereaved families. Zrihan's sister, Yvonne Cohen, expressed relief and said she will call her sons so they can recite Kaddish at his grave for the first time.