Maj. Avihu Ya'akov

May 3, 2002 - IDF officer Major Avihu Ya'akov, 24, of Kfar Hasidim, was killed and two other soldiers injured in Nablus in a raid against a terror cell that was planning a suicide attack in Israel.

While operating within one of the buildings near the casbah where several wanted suspects were hiding, Palestinianis opened fire towards the force from one of the apartments. As a result of the shooting, two IDF officers were hit, Golani Brigade Commander Major Avihu Ya'akov and the Company Commander, and another soldier was lightly wounded. Major Avihu Ya'akov, shot in the head, was killed.

During the exchange of fire that ensued, IDF force killed two armed terrorists - one of them Hamas fugitive Ali Mansur Haduri, of Tulkarm, wanted for his role in the Netanya Park Hotel suicide attack on Passover. Haduri was in the midst of preparing bombs when he was shot. Four Palestinians suspected of planning to organize a terror attack in Israel were arrested. Two weapons labs were discovered inside the building as well as a car containing weapons and components used for making bombs and explosives. Both were detonated bye IDF forces.

Avihu Ya'akov grew up in Kfar Hasidim, a religious community east of Haifa. "He was the leader of young people in our age group," said a childhood friend. After attending military academy, Avihu completed a training course in an elite naval commando unit. Friends recalled that he often had to work home by foot from the commando base in Atlit to Kfar Hasidim, in order to avoid desecrating the Sabbath. On Independence Day he received a commendation from OC Northern Command Maj.-Gen. Gabi Ashkenazy in recognition of his service.

A year ago he left the naval commando and joined the Golani infantry brigade's 51st company. He participated in Operation Defensive Shield in the Jenin refugee camp and was appointed Golani Battalion commander a month ago after the commander was wounded in action. His two older brothers also serve in elite IDF units.

Relatives, friends, and soldiers who had served under Avihu's command described him as a quiet person who loved his country and always led his troops into action.

Major Avihu Ya'akov was buried in the military section of the cemetery in Kfar Hasidim. He is survived by his parents, two brothers, and three sisters.