IDF Soldier Missing Since 1982 Lebanon War Finally Laid to Rest in Jerusalem

The remains of Staff Sergeant Yekutiel Yehuda Katz, missing since the 1982 Lebanon War, were returned from Syria after 44 years and buried on the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem. Katz's funeral procession began at the Kerem B'Yavneh Hesder Yeshiva, where he studied. Rabbi Mordechai Greenberg, head of the yeshiva, eulogized Katz, highlighting his commitment to both Torah study and military service. The Hesder Yeshiva Association praised Katz as embodying the deep connection between religious study and responsibility to the nation and land of Israel.

Yehuda's brother, Avi Katz, delivered a heartfelt eulogy, recalling the family's long wait and hope for his return. Avi described the pain of learning of Yehuda's identification, saying, "For us, Yehuda died this week, not 44 years ago." He recounted how their parents prayed daily for 12 years at the Western Wall for his return and expressed sorrow mixed with relief at finally laying him to rest.

Brigadier General Gal Levy, commander of the 10th Brigade, spoke on behalf of the IDF, acknowledging the family's decades-long struggle and the enduring question of "Where is he?" Katz fell in battle on June 11, 1982, during Operation Peace for Galilee near the village of Sultan Yaakov in southern Lebanon, just hours before a ceasefire was declared. That battle resulted in 20 soldiers killed, dozens wounded, and six missing.

Over the years, three of the missing soldiers were returned through prisoner exchanges, and the remains of others were repatriated with international assistance. Katz's recovery completes the identification of all missing soldiers from that battle. The Hesder Yeshiva Association expressed solidarity with Katz's family and friends, emphasizing his lasting legacy within the religious and military communities.