IDF Locates Burial Site of Soldier Missing for 78 Years in Cyprus Detention Camp

After nearly 78 years, the Israel Defense Forces announced the discovery of the burial site of Shlomo Haimson, who was killed by guards during an escape attempt from the Kraulos detention camp in Cyprus on the night of September 29-30, 1948. The investigation, conducted by the IDF's Missing Soldiers Unit, the Military Rabbinate, and the Ministry of Defense, took over four years and involved extensive archival research worldwide.

The breakthrough came when investigators pieced together fragmented cemetery maps and cross-referenced inconsistent burial records maintained by various rabbis in Cyprus. These efforts revealed that Haimson, initially buried in the Margo cemetery in Cyprus, was among 120 unidentified graves. His remains were later transferred to Israel in 1970. The team’s methodical work, described as assembling a complex puzzle, led to identifying Haimson’s exact grave.

The lead investigator, retired Lieutenant Colonel Y., who took on the case due to his academic background in cemetery studies, collaborated with the "Ma'apilei Cyprus" association, which maintains the burial site. After confirming the burial location, the team informed Haimson’s family, including his daughter Miriam, who was only four days old when he died. The family expressed deep emotion and pride in learning about their father’s heroism.

The IDF emphasized its commitment to locating all missing soldiers, highlighting the emotional significance of providing families with closure. The investigation showcased the challenges of reconstructing historical records and the dedication required to solve decades-old military mysteries.