A distinguished Israeli scholar has died in an exceptional incident in Lebanon. Zeev "Jabo" Ehrlich, 71, was killed in an encounter after crossing into Lebanon with Golani Brigade forces while researching an ancient fortress. His family has been notified of his passing. Another soldier was killed in the incident, which is still being investigated.
Ehrlich stood among the leading authorities in the study of Judea and Samaria. As one of the founders of the Ofra Field School, he edited two influential book series focusing on the region. His scholarly legacy includes numerous academic publications and a weekly column in the Shabbat supplement of Makor Rishon.
Gush Etzion Council Head and former director of the Kfar Etzion Field School Yaron Rosenthal paid tribute to Ehrlich, "Our hearts still struggle to comprehend the devastating loss of our dear friend... Jabo was among the pioneering generation of tour guides and scholars of Judea and Samaria. Our generation followed his path and drank in his wisdom with unquenchable thirst.
"Throughout his decades of work, he guided, researched, and, with boundless curiosity, strived to explore every corner and examine every archaeological site. Few scholars in the field possessed his level of passion or demonstrated such complete devotion to the land. Personally, Jabo was not just a mentor but a friend, and over many years, I learned invaluably from him. His absence will be deeply felt. We must now endeavor to follow the monumental legacy he leaves behind."
Two weeks prior, Israel Hayom reporters met Ehrlich in Nablus. Accompanied by Samaria Regional Brigade forces, they visited Joseph's Tomb and continued to Tel Balata. Ehrlich identified the historic site as the probable location of the biblical ceremony of blessings and curses. During the drive through the city, Ehrlich shared discoveries about ancient catacombs and reminisced about how he had visited the site as a child when "one could wander here before the existence of walls and fences."
