Yosef Haguel, Inspiration for 'Ballad of the Medic,' Dies at 80
Yosef Haguel, whose Six-Day War heroism inspired the iconic 'Ballad of the Medic,' has died at 80. He also held the IDF reserve service record, volunteering until age 77.
Yosef Haguel, whose remarkable wartime story became closely intertwined with the iconic Israeli song "The Ballad of the Medic," has passed away at the age of 80.
Heroism Under Fire
Haguel fought in the battle for Jerusalem during the Six-Day War. During the advance toward the eastern sector, he was severely wounded and received medical treatment under heavy fire. Although the famous song was not originally written about his specific incident, their heroic story became widely known after the war. Following the public revelation of the event, the lyrics were retrieved from the drawer of lyricist Dan Almagor and set to music by Effi Netzer.
Haguel often recounted the dramatic moments of his injury. "I wasn't able to stand on my feet," he recalled, adding that while he was being treated, Jordanian forces began shelling the area and an order was given to take cover.
"I told him, 'Shlomo, get out of here, there's no reason for both of us to get hit,' but Epstein refused to leave, replied 'Don't worry, everything will be fine,' and pulled me toward the wall of the shelter while lying over me to protect me."
Seconds later, a bomb exploded behind them. Haguel recounted that he was "sprayed, full of blood," but it later turned out that most of the blood belonged to the medic, Shlomo Epstein, who lost his life following the injury.
Decades of Reserve Service
After the war, Haguel recovered from his severe injury and returned to reserve duty in the IDF. He continued voluntary service that lasted for decades, becoming a record-holder for reserve service among enlisted personnel in the military, continuing to volunteer even when he reached the age of 75.
"I am quite active, I am not a kvetch. I am quite young," Haguel said at the time, adding: "As long as they agree to take me, I will be there."
About three years ago, at the age of 77, Haguel reported once again for reserve duty, dressed in uniform and armed. On that occasion, he chose to deliver an encouraging message to the citizens of Israel: "People of Israel, keep your morale high, stay united. Trust me, we have been through hard wars - and we will get through this one too."
