In a moving ceremony held today (Tuesday) at the central memorial in Yehud-Monosun, MK Uri Maklev, chairman of the United Torah Judaism faction, took part - who came to pay tribute to his uncle, Sergeant Uri Maklev, the 14th, hero of the city's liberation and the first soldier to fall in the battles for Yehud.
The story of Uri, the son of Rivka and David Maklev, z"l - from the Maklev family that lost sons in the riots of 1949 - is a story of double dedication. Even in his youth in Petah Tikva, he stood out for his talents and fear of God, when his teachers predicted a bright future for him thanks to his profound Torah writings.
Even when he went on campaign in the winter of 1948, Uri remained committed to the commandments. His unit mates recounted with longing how he was meticulous about keeping the kitchen kosher even in difficult field conditions, and how he walked enormous distances just to avoid desecrating the Sabbath during his service.
After taking part in the conquest of Jaffa, Uri Y.D. led his group to conquer the village of 'Yehudiya' - today's Yehud - which threatened Petah Tikva. While covering his comrades with a "Bren" machine gun to ensure the breakthrough, Uri was hit and killed on the spot. He was the first to fall on the soil of the city that later earned the name Yehud.
MK Uri Maklev, who was named after his uncle, notes throughout his years in public service that the image of his uncle is his compass for commitment and dedication to the common good.
After the ceremony, which was attended by Mayor Amnon Saad and other public figures, MK Maklev thanked the mayor for commemorating his uncle and said: "The sages taught us the importance of gratitude. The city of Yehud is a great blessing to my late uncle, and this is a living message to future generations. He who remembers the past has a future.".
On a personal note, the MK added: "I try to imagine the late Uri coming here today and seeing the city flourishing, the construction right here, in the place where his blood was shed. I have no doubt he would have been happy to see that his sacrifice bore fruit of building and growth.".
Mayor Amnon Saad signed the ceremony: "The Maklev family's connection to Judaism is a deep blood connection. The city is proud to perpetuate the memory of Uri the Fourth, who has become one of the symbols of our heroism.".
Join the Haredim 10 Facebook page >>
Join the X page of Haredim 10 >>
Want more news, videos and stories? Join the Haredim 10 WhatsApp channel >>
