Becher, Mordechai

Son of Rivka and Leon, was born on the 8th of Heshvan, November 27, 1924 in Cairo, Egypt, and immigrated to Israel in 1933 . In all three cities of residence, Cairo, Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, Marco was known as an active member of Maccabi Hatzair and at the age of 13 he joined the Haganah. In 1943, Mordechai enlisted in the British Royal Navy and became a lieutenant colonel (P.R.M.). He served in Egypt, Malta and Italy (the ship he served on was the first to reach the port of Genoa when the city was still in the hands of the Nazis). When he was released, Mordechai worked in the British army camps in Israel in the screening of films. He had a cheerful, happy nature. Immediately after the outbreak of the War of Independence, Mordechai was stationed at the Kiryati Brigade. When he was heading a reconnaissance class to the vicinity of the “Yotzek” factory near Mikve Israel, he was captured by the enemy. He was taken to Jaffa, to the headquarters of Hassan Salameh, where he brutally tortured to death. The day of his death was set for 22 Adar,I, March 23, 1948. Only a few days later his body was handed over by the British. Mordechai was laid to rest in the military cemetery at Nahalat Yitzhak.