Science and Technology Committee Chairman MK Uri Maklev (United Torah Judaism) arrived today for a visit to the Yehud memorial site at the invitation of the Communication Corps Fallen Memorial Association and Yehud residents.
The Association Director showed MK Maklev the memorial for his uncle, Private Uri Maklev, who fell on this date conquering the city while covering the rest of his unit with a Bren machine gun.
MK Uri Maklev, named after him, explained that consolation is to be found in continuity: "My uncle didn't merit a family, but today we're more than five hundred nephews and cousins who merit to cherish his memory in the family," Maklev said.
During the visit, MK Maklev reviewed the site, read the memorial book, and signed the guest book.
Uri, son of David and Rivka Maklev was born on the 11th of Tamuz, 5708 (June 29, 1928) in Petach Tikvah to a religious and traditional family. He attended the Netzach Yisrael religious school. His writings on national-religious issues were praised by his teachers who said he had a bright future.
After continuing study at the Ahad Ha'am Gymnasium he was one of the best students and remained faithful to Jewish tradition. Had a deep national passion and aspired to action. While yet a child he joined the Betar movement.
In 1944 he became a member of the Irgun underground. His diligence and scholastic prowess made it impossible to discern that he was devoting time and energy to underground activities. Silent and withdrawn, he knew how to keep a secret, and during the time when underground fighters were being hunted he attracted no attention or suspicion.
In the winter of 1948 he took part in operations against the British, but most activities were aimed at protecting Petah Tikva against the Arab enemy. He took part in the conquest north of Jaffa and immediately afterwards headed the group to conquer the village Yehudiyya that directly threatened Petah Tikva.
Covering his comrades with a Bren machine gun he succeeded in his mission to ensure his group's way to connect with the other units and break the enemy's ranks, but he himself was wounded and fell on April 4, 1948. The next day he was buried in Petah Tikva. He was 20 years old.
