Israel Returns Remains of Soldier Yehuda Katz After 44 Years Missing in Action

After 44 years and 16,869 days, the remains of Yehuda Katz, the last missing soldier from the Battle of Sultan Yaakov in June 1982, have finally been returned to Israel. Katz, a close childhood friend of the article's author and a fellow student at Yeshivat Hesder Kerem B'Yavneh, went missing during the First Lebanon War. Over the decades, Katz's family, friends, and the Israeli security establishment never gave up hope of bringing him home.

The author's personal connection to Katz is deeply emotional, recalling their shared youth, studies, military service, and Katz's role as a witness at the author's wedding. Every year, Katz's birthday was commemorated with study sessions at his parents' home in Ramat Gan, led by Rabbi Avraham Rivlin, their mentor from Kerem B'Yavneh. Katz's sister tirelessly pursued efforts to locate and repatriate his remains, keeping the issue alive for over four decades.

The return of Katz's remains marks a significant closure for the Israeli public and his loved ones, blending profound grief with relief. The author reflects on the traditional Jewish blessing "Hatov Vehametiv," expressing gratitude that Katz's body was preserved and could be buried in the Land of Israel, even though the hope was always for his return alive. This moment allows family, friends, and comrades to finally mourn properly and honor his memory.

Life continued for those left behind, with families growing and milestones passing, but Katz remained young in their memories. The author pays tribute to Katz as a lifelong friend and part of his personal story, emphasizing that neither the state of Israel nor its people ever forgot him. Katz's sister fulfilled her promise, and now, after decades of waiting, Yehuda Katz has come home.