Melamed, Yosef (Yoske)

Son of-Sarah and Haim Natan was born on June 18, 1926, in Tel Aviv, where he studied at the “Tachkemoni” School, completed a “Mizrachi” vocational school and was a metalworker by profession. His activities in the Haganah, first in the ranks of the Gadna, and from then until his last day his life was sacred to the security service. His work in the Hagana was the main thing and everyone else dealt with it. At the age of 15 he completed a course for commanders in Shfeya, and after a year of service returned to Tel Aviv and worked at Lapid. When the Second World War broke out, he succeeded in deceiving the enlisting committee and appearing as an adult of his age. In the Jezreel Valley and served there as a guide, and for a time he was also the responsible commander of son of Shemen, and after his return he returned to the city and was hired by the Lapid factory and at the same time continued his active activity in the Haganah. And at the end of the course he joined a battalion in the Givati ​​Brigade and commanded a division of the Gahal (Overseas Recruitment) team. He was encouraged to see – his friend in the company testified – how Yosske took his men, none of whom spoke Hebrew, assembled from all corners of the world, and designed them as exemplary soldiers. He spent the whole day running around the training ground, excited, scolding, explaining and explaining in his broken Yiddish, but at the end of the training he would return to being the quiet, comfortable, friendly Yoske. Joseph excelled in his responsibility and dedication without limit and became known as one of the best officers in the company. His men respected him and liked him and followed him in battle with his eyes closed. “Father Yoske” – they called him. He took part in operations to clean up the south, fought in the big battle of Ashdod, and immediately upon entering the first truce, he was sent with his platoon to the Negev. When the “Ten Days” battles began, he was still in Negba and took part in repelling the attacks on the spot. Joseph managed to participate in the attack on the nearby village of Iraq-Suidan, and after his capture he returned to the Negev and took part in the great battle over it. On Tuesday, July 10, 1948, when he was in one of the defensive positions, he was hit by an enemy shell and fell to a place in the military cemetery in Be’er Tuvia.