JUBA, South Sudan — June 25, 2026 — More than five decades after standing alongside the Anyanya movement during the First Sudanese Civil War, Israeli veteran David Uri Ben-Uziel has been honored with one of South Sudan’s highest military recognitions.
In a ceremony held at the Presidency in Juba, President Salva Kiir Mayardit conferred the honorary rank of General in the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces upon Ben-Uziel, placing him on the military’s non-active list. The recognition acknowledges his support for the southern liberation struggle during the 1960s and 1970s.
Known by the nom de guerre “General John,” David Uri Ben-Uziel worked closely with the Anyanya movement under the leadership of Joseph Lagu. Officials credit him with helping establish links between the movement and Israel, facilitating military training, medical aid, uniforms, communications equipment, and other logistical support during the conflict.
Speaking during the ceremony, President Kiir recognized Ben-Uziel’s longstanding friendship with the people of South Sudan and his contributions to the country’s struggle for self-determination. The honorary appointment serves as a tribute to decades of cooperation and shared history between South Sudan and Israel.
The ceremony marked Ben-Uziel’s return to South Sudan more than half a century after his first mission in the region, making it one of the most symbolic military honors awarded to a foreign supporter of the country’s liberation movement.
