Israeli memorial at YPG testament to Israel-U.S. relationship

A cornerstone of the United States and Israel’s relationship is security assistance.

Israel works with the U.S. government in sharing defense and security technologies.

Just as they did in 1989 when the Israeli army sent a small group of soldiers for a testing experiment at the Yuma Proving Ground (YPG).

While working with the U.S. military to test a self-propelled artillery system, Israeli soldiers Mark Eilon and Nachum Golan, died in a tragic explosion.

Since their deaths, YPG has honored the Israeli men with a memorial site, which former Israeli soldiers view as a testament to the relationship between the two nations.

Now 30-years later, dozens gathered from across the world at YPG to continue the memory of the lives of Eilon and Golan who were lost on our soil.

Former Israeli soldiers, Ilan Kottler, and Maoz Lev were both a part of the chosen group to test at YPG.

They remembered Eilon and Golan as their brothers but also revered the relationship between the American military and the Israeli army as a brotherhood.

“It’s been said that Israel doesn’t have a better friend than America, and America doesn’t have a better friend than Israel. The bonds that unite us are forever,” said Kottler.

Lev, who decided against re-enlisting in the army right before the tragic explosion occurred, said “From Israel’s perspective, America is a true friend…a friend that [Israel] would probably have a very difficult time to survive without. I think [Israel and the U.S.] both do our best to both represent the same values, which is really what gathers us together.”

Both democracies value human rights and freedoms of speech and religion.

YPG Commander Col. Poppenberger said such memorials continue to strengthen the bonds between the two nations.