Aluf Chaim Nadel z"l, Shoah survivor who led paratroopers, dies at 92

Aluf Nadel z"l, Shoah orphan who led IDF paratroopers, dies at 92

Aluf (res.) Chaim Nadel z"l lost every member of his family in the Holocaust and arrived in Israel as a lone child • Commanded historic battles and shaped the combat doctrine of the Paratroopers Brigade over 33 years of service • Later presided over military appeals court and served on Winograd Commission

The IDF and Israel's security establishment are in heavy mourning: Aluf (res.) Chaim Nadel z"l passed away Thursday at the age of 92. Nadel z"l, who lost his entire family in the Holocaust and came to Israel as a lone child, commanded a series of historic battles over 33 years and shaped the combat doctrine of the Paratroopers Brigade.

His life story is one of resilience and courage. After losing every member of his family in the Shoah, he arrived in Israel alone as a child and joined the ranks of the IDF, where he began a distinguished military career spanning more than three decades.

During his service, Nadel z"l fought in the Battle of the Mitla Pass during Operation Kadesh and was awarded the Itur HaMofet (Distinguished Service Medal) for his bravery. He later assisted Raful Eitan in the raid on Beirut airport, and commanded the Paratroopers Brigade that captured Mount Hermon from the Syrians in the Yom Kippur War.

Over the years, Nadel z"l shaped the combat doctrine of the Paratroopers Brigade and became one of its most prominent and respected commanders. His contribution to building the paratroop force and developing its operational capabilities was immense.

He later served as president of the Military Court of Appeals, where he acquitted Yitzhak Mordechai in the Kav 300 affair. He was also a member of the Winograd Commission, which examined the conduct of the political and military leadership during the Second Lebanon War.

The story of Aluf Nadel z"l is one of heroism, dedication and enormous contribution to the State of Israel and its security. From an orphaned child who lost everything in the Holocaust, he became one of the IDF's greatest commanders and a central figure in shaping the paratroop force.

May his memory be blessed.