Yom Kippur War Hero Rami Ratz Passes Away at 82

Rami Ratz, a recipient of the Medal of Distinguished Service and a symbol of resilience for northern residents during the Swords of Iron war, has passed away at the age of 82. An iconic photograph of Ratz standing guard at the gate of Kibbutz Kfar Blum, holding a pole with a rifle bayonet, came to represent the steadfast spirit of Israel's northern communities amidst ongoing rocket fire and security threats.

Born Yoram in 1942, Ratz was known throughout his life for his exceptional technical skills, tireless work ethic, and unwavering determination. During the 1973 Yom Kippur War, he served as a tank commander on the Golan Heights front. Despite sustaining damage to his vehicle and being repeatedly ordered to retreat, Ratz continuously sought out functioning tanks to return to the front lines, famously declaring that "fewer gun barrels mean more comrades harmed."

For his extraordinary resourcefulness, courage, and devotion to duty during the fierce battles in the Golan, Chief of General Staff Mordechai Gur awarded him the Medal of Distinguished Service. Childhood friend Neri Kreidan noted that Ratz's stubborn perseverance defined his entire life, whether as a master mechanic who always helped neighbors or as a dedicated worker who maintained the kibbutz dairy throughout the wartime escalations.

In addition to his military valor, Ratz remained deeply committed to civic engagement. In 2023, he participated in veteran protests against the government's judicial overhaul, stating at the time: "I am 82 years old and I want to leave a country for my children and grandchildren." Ratz leaves behind a legacy of uncompromised dedication to his home, his community, and his principles.