Yosef Ohana

Yosef (Jojo), son of Sultana and Avraham (Albert), was born on the 26th of Tevet 5714 (1.1.1954) in Morocco and immigrated to Israel with his family in 1955. On the way to Israel Yosef fell ill and the doctors nearly despaired of curing him, but as if by a miracle the infant recovered.

When he grew up he studied at the "Honi HaMe'agel" elementary school in Hazor HaGlilit and afterwards completed his studies at the high school in the town. Yosef was a diligent and studious pupil, beloved by his teachers and his friends. He was a sports enthusiast, took part in races, and for his achievements in them was awarded the Shield Medal. He also played basketball a great deal and was a member of the Hapoel soccer team in Hazor HaGlilit. Because of his excellence at basketball his friends nicknamed him "Tal Brody."

Yosef was drafted into the IDF at the beginning of November 1971 and was posted to the Golani Brigade, in the first "Habokim" Battalion. He was a responsible and disciplined soldier and served as an example to his friends in his good temper, his patience and his obedience. For his devoted service he was awarded the "Operational Service Medal."

On the 18th of Cheshvan 5734 (13.11.1973), in the area of Mazra'at Beit Jann near Mount Hermon, Yosef was hit and killed. He literally covered his wounded comrades with his own body. He rose and stood without shelter, and with the MAG machine gun in his hands he fired at and hit the Syrian soldiers who were firing at him and at his comrades. In this way his comrades were able to evacuate the wounded and give them aid. Even after the ammunition in his hands ran out Yosef did not say "enough." He hurried back to equip himself with bullets and returned to cover his comrades. In this way he stood heroically for an hour and a half, until he fell in battle. For this deed he was awarded, after his fall, the "Medal of Distinguished Service."

He was laid to eternal rest in the cemetery in Nahariya. He left behind a father, a mother, three brothers and a sister. After his fall he was promoted to the rank of Corporal.

In the letter of condolence to the bereaved family his commander wrote: "The feeling that accompanies us is the feeling of the honor that we were privileged to have, that Yosef fought in our ranks, and a feeling of honor toward a family that lost such a blessed son." In his memory his parents donated a Torah scroll to the "Etz Chaim" synagogue in Hazor HaGlilit; in the weekly "Bamahane" an article was published about his heroic deed in the battle, entitled "Covering Fire to the End."