Ducha, Joseph

Son of Rivka and Ze’ev, was born on 25.12.1926 in Herzlia, his father was a foreman in the orchard and at the same time worked in his farm, and the boy grew up in an atmosphere of devoted agricultural work and his drawings were engraved in his soul. Yosef graduated from an elementary school in the moshava, had technical and mechanical skills, built airplane models and invented household irrigation systems, and continued his studies at the Max Payne Professional School in Tel Aviv. – The book worked in his moshavah in mechanics and electricity, and according to the words of all his colleagues and managers, he excelled in good faith and perseverance in his work. He was an active member of the Hagana and was ready to take part in underground operations, and was immediately enlisted in full service with the residents of the Sharon settlements, who formed a special company in the Alexandroni Brigade. He remained very attached to his parents’ home and while he was in a camp near the Moshava, he took every opportunity to encourage them, whether by a quick visit or by a reassuring note. Joseph participated in several battles on the front of the center. With the worsening of the situation in Jerusalem due to the disconnection of the road to it by the legion system in Latrun, it was decided to break through to the city. The task was assigned to the newly established brigade 7, and its battalion was transferred to reinforce it in this operation – Operation son of-Nun. His company was assigned to conquer Latrun, but soon after they left, they encountered better enemy forces and conducted a difficult retreat. In this battle he fell, on the day of the 16th of Iyar 5708 (May 25, 1948). On the 17th of Cheshvan 5710 (17.11.1949), he was brought to rest with his friends at the military cemetery on Mount Herzl in Jerusalem.