Following a 15-year investigation by the IDF Missing Persons Unit, the burial site of Private Yaakov Zaryan, who was killed during Israel’s War of Independence, has finally been identified.

Zaryan immigrated from Morocco in 1947 and enlisted as an operational driver. On April 20, 1948, he was killed while transporting a supply convoy to besieged Jerusalem during the fierce Battle of Sha’ar HaGai.

He was buried alongside seven fellow soldiers at Kibbutz Kiryat Anavim, but the exact location of his grave remained unknown for 77 years.

Using extensive archival research, archaeological excavations, and advanced soil analysis, the IDF was able to confirm his final resting place.

His sister, Yvonne Cohen, welcomed the long-awaited discovery, saying: “For me, finding his burial place means everything. I will call my sons so they can say Kaddish for the first time at his grave.”

A state military ceremony will be held at Kibbutz Kiryat Anavim to dedicate his headstone.

May his memory be a blessing.