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A distinguished Israeli scholar met a tragic end during 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. It was unclear how he became embedded with the troops. 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 Sabbath supplement of Makor Rishon.
Gush Etzion Council Head and former director of the Kfar Etzion Field School Yaron Rosenthal paid tribute to settlement pioneer Zeev (Jabo) Ehrlich: “Our hearts still struggle to comprehend the devastating loss of our dear friend Zeev ‘Jabo’ Ehrlich. 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.”
Just two weeks prior, this reporter encountered Ehrlich in Nablus. Accompanied by Samaria Regional Brigade forces, we visited Joseph’s Tomb and continued to Tel Balata. At this historic site, Ehrlich identified it as the probable location of the biblical ceremony of blessings and curses. During our drive through the city, Ehrlich shared discoveries about ancient catacombs as our vehicle slowed to observe the site. “I visited Nablus in my childhood when one could wander here before the existence of walls and fences,” he recalled.
Ehrlich personified the essence of Israel’s historical scholarship. Equipped with a headlamp and Bible in hand, he would illuminate the ancient and sacred history of sites for IDF and Shin Bet personnel with characteristic expertise and passion.
