Yitzhak (Itzik) Yifat

Dr. Yitzhak (Itzik) Yifat, one of three Paratroopers who appeared in an iconic photo taken at the Western Wall after Israel captured it during the 1967 Six Day War, died Saturday (July 6, 2024) at age 81.

(Paratroopers at the Western Wall: Left to right: Tzion Karasenti, Yitzhak Yifat and Chaim Oshri – Jerusalem, Israel on June 7, 1967.)

Yifat was 24 at the time.

Later he became a Gynecologist.

The photo titled “Paratroopers at the Western Wall” was taken on June 7, 1967, by David Rubinger shortly after its capture from the Jordanians during the 6 Day War.

The Wailing Wall/Western Wall was built in 19 BCE surrounding the Temple Mount.

Jews were restricted from visiting the Wailing Wall during the Ottoman Muslim Reign (1517-1917.)

Jews were forbidden to visit the Wailing Wall during Jordanian Muslim Rule (1948-1967.)

Since Israel regained control over the Western Wall in 1967 Israel allows Jews, Muslims and Christians to visit the Wailing Wall.

There is a Male Section and a Female Section and Men have to wear a Yarmulke.

I visited the Wailing Wall in October 2017.