Yitzhak Sadeh Figurine

Yitzhak Sadeh (1890-1952) | A Zionist leader, educator, author, sportsman and the first Palmach commander. Nicknamed “the old man”. Born in Lublin, Poland as Izaak Landoberg, he moved to Russia with his mother as a child. During WWI, he fought in the Russian army, was decorated for his bravery, and appointed a company commander. In 1920, he immigrated to Eretz Israel following the death of his friend Joseph Trumpeldor at the Battle of Tel Hai. Sadeh was one of the founders of Gdud HaAvoda and HaPoel sports association. In 1921, he joined the Haganah and in 1937 was appointed commander of the elite Plugot Sadeh (POSH). In 1941, during WWII, he founded the Palmach and was its first commander. In 1945, he became Chief of Staff of the Haganah and led the Hebrew Resistance Movement against the British. Sadeh was instrumental in forming the IDF and greatly influenced its structure and values. At the time of IDF establishment, he received the rank of General, founded the first armored brigade, and fought in Operation Danny and in the battles over the Negev. In his last years he wrote books, articles and plays. Died at age 62 of a serious illness.