Yaakov Pundak is 100, and until Tuesday, 14 Elul 5773, he held the rank of brigadier-general in the IDF reserves.

Pundak was a southern district commander in the War of Independence. In 1971 he was called back to duty by then Chief of Staff Moshe Dayan. Dayan promised Pundak he would be promoted to the rank of major-general back in 1954, but the defense minister at the time, who retired three months later, objected.

Since that time Pundak has waited for the IDF to make good on that promise, over 60 years, but it appears his request fell between the cracks. Pundak over the years tried to get the promotioin which he feels he deserved, calling it a personal historic injustice.

Now, as he marked his 100th birthday, Defense Minister Moshe Ya’alon and IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Benny Gantz decided they would correct this injustice.

See the video as Pundak was given his new rank.

Click HERE to watch this video on a mobile device.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)