Capt. (res.) Ya'akov Azoulai

Apr 9, 2002 - Capt. (res.) Ya'akov Azoulai, 30, of Migdal Ha'emek was one of thirteen IDF soldiers killed and seven injured in the Jenin refugee camp by Palestinian terrorists. An IDF patrol of reserve soldiers was ambushed in a narrow alleyway in the camp by a number of explosive devices and gunfire from the rooftops of surrounding buildings (Operation Defensive Shield).

Capt. (res.) Ya'akov Azoulai was born in Jerusalem and studied in Jerusalem's Kiryat Hanoar. His father Shimon passed away when he was 9.

Ya'akov served in the Golani Brigade during his compulsory service. He completed the course with distinction, was sent to officers' training and served in Lebanon and Gaza during an additional five years in the regular army.

After being released from the army, Ya'akov was responsible for founding the Migdal Ha'emek Civil Guard. He became an officer in the Northern District of the police force, commander of a SWAT team.

Although Ya'akov's position as officer in the police force exempted him from serving in the army reserves, he insisted on volunteering for Operation Defensive Shield. When his commanding officer asked him to return to the police, Ya'akov explained that, at this time, it is more important for him to continue his mission in the IDF.

Capt. (res.) Ya'akov Azoulai was buried in Migdal Ha'emek. He leaves behind his mother, Vivian, brothers Mordechai 28 and Yossi 26 and sisters Alin 12 and Mor 11.