Maj.-Gen [res] Avigdor 'Yanush' Ben-Gal, known as the hero of the Yom Kippur War, passed away Saturday evening at the age of 79. He is survived by his wife and seven children. Ben-Gal, the former General Officer of the Northern Command, became famous in the wake of the Yom Kippur War after he lead the 7th Division to victory over a much larger Syrian fighting force, subsequently capturing the Golan Heights. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed sorrow over the death of Ben-Gal, releasing a statement conveying his admiration for the former military commander. 'During the most difficult days of the Yom Kippur War, when Israel's destiny was at stake, [Ben-Gal] and his soldiers bravely defended with their lives the northern border,' Netanyahu said. No date or time has been set for his burial ceremony.
(photo credit: The Jerusalem Post)Updated: