The son of Yacov and Chaia, Joseph Fishbein was born in Leipzig, Germany, on 30th October 1926. Before the cruel racist policies and activities began, he succeeded in reaching England, where he advanced his deep and meaningful Zionist education.
He served in the British 8th Army in the Italian theatre of operations, and requested a transfer to the Independent Jewish Brigade from Palestine. There he met and mixed with comrades-in-arms from Eretz Yisrael. Together they agreed that at the end of his service he would emigrate to Eretz Yisrael and join them. On the break up of the brigade, he returned to the British Army, serving with their occupation forces in Germany in the Intelligence Corps. He was active in Zionist affairs together with two friends from the “Habonim” Zionist movement – Dov (Benno) Katz and “Zigi” Sydney Steller. He was responsible, stable in character, cheerful and optimistic.
On his official discharge from the British Army, he emigrated to Palestine and on the formation of the IDF, both he and “Zigi” Steller were recommended for promotion as instructors; both refused, preferring to serve as ordinary privates in a Givati fighting unit.
For two months he and his friends, “Zigi” Steller, Rudi Sheinhorn and Dov Katz participated in actions. Eventually, on 8th June their company occupied Hill 69, a key position controlling the road to the Ashdod area. They dug-in and strengthened their positions. Two days later an Egyptian counter attack of tanks, armored vehicles and infantry, preceded by a heavy artillery barrage, drove the Givati company off the hill, taking control and endeavoring to sweep on towards Beer-Tuvia, but the Givati defenders stationed there stood firm, stopping the Egyptian advance.
Joseph and his friends, “Zigi” Steller and Rudi Sheinhorn, were killed on 10th June 1948 while holding their positions during the Egyptian counter attack.
Joseph Fishbein was finally laid to rest on 31st August 1950 at the Nachlat Yitzhak military cemetery.
Source: Translated from the Yizkor website by Joe Woolf.