Birenbaum, Mordechai

Son of Rivka and Yitzchok. Born in Petah Tikva on the 1st of Iyar, April 19, 1928. From the age of 15, he was active in the Haganah. Although the activity required much of his free time, he excelled in his studies at the Ahad Ha’am Gymnasium. He completed his compulsory service in Sha’ar HaGolan, in the Mishmar HaRakevet, in Rosh Ha’Ayin and finally in the Petach Tikva police station. When he completed his services, and was about to return to civilian life, the War of Independence began. He immediately joined the Golani Brigade, where he participated in the conquest of Kaukab al-Ha, Beit She’an, Zar’in, and other villages on the way to Jenin. The first break he had, he came home for a short vacation. He didn’t feel good, so the doctor prescribed three days of rest. The next day, he broke the doctor’s order, and returned to his battalion. When the Iraqi forces attacked our forces in the Jenin area, the news of the difficult situation of his comrades gave him no rest. he hurried to their aid in the village of Sandela, forcing him to withdraw from a much better force. He fell in the line of duty on the 3rd of Tammuz, July 10, 1948. On the 18th of Tammuz, July 25, 1948, he was laid to rest in the military cemetery in Afula.