Kaplan, Shlomo

Shlomo, son of Ahuva and Zevi Dov Kaplan was born in the city of Aran, Lithuania, on June 3, 1919. In 1933 he immigrated to Israel and immediately began working and studying, acquiring a high school education and was a member of the Haganah. He moved to Jerusalem in 1941, established a family, and devoted his spare time to the Hagana. After the outbreak of the War of Independence, Shlomo was drafted immediately, despite his tragedy of the death of his wife and served as a deputy company commander in besieged Jerusalem. He was one of those who despised danger and would accept any difficult mission, so as not to impose such orders on others. Shlomo knew how to encourage his subordinates and elevate their spirits with exemplary behavior. He took care of them like a father and gave them food and clothing, which he managed to achieve with the help of his many contacts. On the 30th of Nissan, 5708, May 9, 1948, a Molotov cocktail hit his neighbor’s house. Shlomo jumped into the burning house to help and a second shell hit him and the neighbor. Shlomo was buried in Sheik-Bader Aleph. After his death he was granted the rank of company commander. He left behind a young daughter. On the 28th of Elul 5710 (10.9.1950) he was laid to rest at the military cemetery on Mount Herzl in Jerusalem.