Avi Rat Remembers Fallen Comrade Yehuda Katz 44 Years After Battle of Sultan Yaakov

Avi Rat, a fellow soldier and close friend of Yehuda Katz, spoke to Channel 7 following the return of Katz's remains to Israel 44 years after he fell in the Battle of Sultan Yaakov. Rat described a profound emotional surge triggered by the news, reflecting both relief and sorrow. He emphasized that the moment transcends personal grief, touching the collective heart of Israeli society, which has carried the wound of Katz's disappearance for over four decades.

Rat recalled the pain that Katz's parents, Yosef and Sarah Katz, never lived to see their son buried in Israel, unlike the mother of another fallen soldier, Zecharia Baumel, who attended her son's funeral. He remembered the family's strength and dignity in the face of uncertainty, and shared memories of gatherings at their home in Ramat Gan where comrades would meet for lessons and fellowship.

Highlighting the deep bond between him and Katz, Rat noted they were born on the same day, had close service numbers, and shared adjacent bunks during their military training. He recounted a poignant story from their time at the Julis base, illustrating Katz's character: despite exhaustion, Katz dressed in formal uniform to attend a lesson by Rabbi Golduveicht, head of the Kerem B'Yavneh yeshiva, demonstrating his dedication and respect.

Rat concluded by praising Katz's perseverance, righteousness, and kindness, qualities that made him a beloved and respected figure among his peers. The return of Katz's remains offers a measure of closure and a place for remembrance after decades of uncertainty.