Yaakov-Mendi Mandelzis

Yaakov-Mendi Mandelzis was born in 1943 in Haifa

Mandelzis was born on October 8, 1943, in Haifa to Tova and David, and grew up there with 2 sisters. He studied at the Ilanot elementary school, the Hebrew Reali School and the naval officers school in Acre, and finished high school at Hugim High School in Haifa. As a youth he was active in the Hebrew Scouts and in Gadna.

He was drafted into the IDF in May 1961 and served in the Armored Corps. After squad leader and officer courses, he became commander of an armored infantry platoon.

After his regular service he married Leah, and they had 2 sons. He also completed a business administration course at the University of Haifa. He fought in the Six-Day War and was then sent to an armored infantry company commanders course.

In the Yom Kippur War he commanded an armored infantry company on the Egyptian front. On October 7, 1973, he rescued and protected wounded men of his company after an enemy attack. On October 18, his armored carrier was hit, and while wounded he kept caring for the wounded until he was killed. He was buried in the military cemetery in Haifa.