Kenbel, Shimon (Shimel)

The only son of Chaya and Lippa was born on the 7th of Kislev 5727 (February 1, 1927) in the city of Sari, Lithuania, and immigrated to Israel with his parents in 1935. The family settled in Tel Aviv. After graduating from the Gymnasium, Shimon began training in the framework of the Palmach. He underwent his training in Yagur and in Maoz Haim. With the outbreak of the War of Independence, he was sick in Tel Aviv but immediately went to guard the city’s schools and soon returned to his group in Maoz Haim. With his unit, in the “Yiftah” Brigade, Shimon participated in the battle for Mishmar Ha’emek and in other battles in that area. On the 6th of Iyar 5708 (15.5.1948), he went with his company to attack Malkia in the Upper Galilee, on the Lebanese border, to block an expected invasion from that direction. Kaukji forces attacked with great force and Yiftah fighters retreated and stabilized a new line of defense. He was among the scouts on the retreat, during which he was hit by a bullet in the head and died instantly. His body was collected only two weeks later, when our forces returned and conquered Malkia.
Shimon was laid to rest in the cemetery in Maoz haim.