Mystery IDF shofar blower at Western Wall identified 56 years later

In the aftermath of the Six Day War, a resonating image made its way across the nation: a snapshot of an unidentified soldier sounding a shofar at the Western Wall. This touching scene was immortalized as a Rosh Hashanah card, reaching countless households.

Yet for 56 years, the identity of the soldier remained enigmatic. Now, on the eve of Rosh Hashanah, the tale unwinds with the revelation of 81-year-old Ya’acov Cohen.

The shofar’s deep call at the Western Wall became an emblematic moment of the war. Captured in a multitude of photos, one particularly stood out – a soldier, visibly moved, blowing the shofar. This photo, showcased in the IDF’s Bamahaneh magazine and international outlets, also inspired a Rosh Hashanah card. The artistic rendition even adorned the soldier with a red beret.

Who was this mysterious IDF soldier? Untangling a mystery since the Six Day War

The mystery began to unravel during a recent tour at the Ammunition Hill National Heritage Site in Jerusalem, where Cohen reminisced about his past, recounting his time as a reserve soldier and a heartfelt journey to deliver a Torah scroll to the Western Wall. En route, an elder handed him a shofar. Cohen made a promise to honor his wishes. Days later, to his surprise, his image was everywhere, including on the treasured Rosh Hashanah card.

“It deeply moved me,” he said.

Ammunition Hill National Heritage Site CEO Ketri Ma’oz said: “The tale of the shofar at the Western Wall has remained a captivating narrative. It stands as a symbol of the Six Day War. With Ya’acov’s story, we not only unveil a mystery but also enrich our historical understanding for future generations.”