Friend of Fallen Soldier Yehuda Katz Recalls His Courage and Faith in Battle

Rabbi Baruch Wider, who fought alongside Yehuda Katz in the Battle of Sultan Yaakov and knew him personally, shared his emotional reaction to the recent discovery of Katz's remains 44 years after he went missing. Speaking on the morning news program with Dana and Ron, Wider described the moment he received the news as a shock followed by uncontrollable tears lasting ten minutes. He emphasized that he had prayed for Katz's return throughout the decades, remembering him as an exceptional figure, both a scholar and a humble warrior.

Wider recounted Katz's unique conduct during the battle, highlighting that Katz fought inside a cramped tank wearing tefillin, a Jewish prayer item, alongside his combat gear. "He destroyed Syrian tanks with tefillin," Wider said, noting that such a sight had not been seen since the Bar Kochba revolt. He praised Katz's deep connection to faith and his role as a fighter of Israel's generation of redemption.

Wider also reflected on the broader significance of the discovery, stating it symbolizes Israel's profound bond with its soldiers. He mentioned that at the Kotel Yeshiva, where he serves as head, they continue to pray every Sabbath for missing soldiers, and this week they will especially honor Katz. He concluded by calling the day a great moment for Israel and the IDF, underscoring the global recognition of the country's commitment to its fallen soldiers.