Major Uziel Gal of the Israel Defense Forces had just one request, "don't name the weapon after me." His request was not heeded, however Uzi Gal won numerous medals and awards for the design of his submachine gun which helped the army to defend the country since the 1950's. Uziel Gal was born in Weimar, Germany and forced to flee the country when the Nazis took over. He moved to the land of Israel and joined the Haganah. The British mandatory government, which occupied Israel from 1917 - 1948 jailed him on weapons charges, as it as illegal for Jews to own guns at the time. The uzi was introduced to Israeli special forces in 1954 and it became known for its small and light weight size, safety and accuracy. It sold very well, but as a state employee, Gal did not personally profit. Proud of his achievement, he stated, "never in 2000 years has there been a weapon that the Jewish people have made for themselves. This Jewish History Moment was brought to you by Israel National Radio. For more news and politics on Israel and the Jewish world visit http://www.IsraelNationalRadio.com for free streaming a audio and podcasts.
