IDF Soldier Shlomo Haimson's Burial Site Found Nearly 78 Years After Death in Cyprus

Nearly 78 years after being shot and killed in a British detention camp in Cyprus in 1948, the burial site of IDF fallen soldier Shlomo Haimson has been identified. Haimson, who was among the Jewish refugees detained in Cyprus, died during an escape attempt from the Kraulos camp on the night of September 29-30, 1948. Initially buried in the Jewish cemetery in Margo, Cyprus, his remains were brought to Israel in 1970 and interred anonymously alongside other detainees at the Haifa cemetery due to insufficient identifying information at the time.

Following a thorough investigation by the IDF's Missing Persons Unit, the Military Rabbinate, the Ministry of Defense, and the Cyprus Immigrants Association, it was confirmed that Haimson is buried in the immigrants' section of the Haifa cemetery, specifically in grave number 11, row 2. His family, residing in Brazil, has been informed of the discovery. This identification closes a significant historical chapter regarding the fate of Jewish detainees in Cyprus during the British Mandate period.

The IDF spokesperson announced the finding on August 12, 2026, marking a meaningful resolution for the family and the Israeli military community. The case highlights ongoing efforts to locate and honor fallen soldiers whose resting places were previously unknown or unmarked.