Polat (Penina) Penhasi

Polat (Penina) Penhasi, born in January 1928 in Poland, was a pioneering Israeli naval combatant and the first and only woman to serve as a fighter in the elite naval unit, Shayetet 13. After migrating to France and enduring the hardships of World War II, she played a significant role in the Jewish underground movement before arriving in Israel. Polat joined the Palmach's naval arm, Palyam, and later became part of the first demolition course of Shayetet 13, where she excelled despite facing challenges from her male counterparts. Known for her humility, she often downplayed her achievements and remained committed to her family's legacy in the Israeli Navy, fostering a lineage of service, as her children and grandchildren continued to serve in the military.