Birenberg, Ben-Zion

Ben-Zion was the youngest son of Frieda and Yehuda Birenberg, and was born on November 17, 1929 in Tel Aviv. He grew up in a Zionist home, without luxuries. His parents instilled in their children the recognition that work is the foundation for life. In July 1947, Ben-Zion joined his friends in the Jezreel Valley and gained a reputation for excellence in training and for the thoroughness and precision he displayed in all his activities. At the beginning of the War of Independence, Ben-Zion volunteered for the Golani Brigade and was transferred to Yavniel where he worked as a machine gunner. Shortly before the first truce came into force on 3 Sivan, June 10, 1948, Kaukji began a major attack on the settlement of Sejera and Ben-Zion and his machine-gun unit defended the settlement. An enemy bullet penetrated through the opening of the turret, hit his forehead and killed him on the spot, with his hands pressing on the trigger of the “Spandau.” Ben-Zion was laid to rest at the military cemetery in Afula.