Staff Sergeant Yona Betzalel Brief, of blessed memory, a soldier and combat medic in the elite Duvdevan Unit of the IDF’s Commando Brigade, succumbed to his wounds after a year-long battle at Sheba Tel Hashomer Hospital.
On the morning of Simchat Torah 5784 (October 7, 2023), Yona and his six-man Duvdevan team were dispatched to Kfar Aza and were among the first organized forces to enter the fighting. They rescued several families hiding in safe rooms from terrorists, and during the operation, they were ambushed. Yona did not hesitate for a moment, he ran to save his commander, Ben Bornstein (of blessed memory), and his close friend, Amir Fischer (of blessed memory). In the act of rescuing them, he was critically wounded by thirteen bullets.
Yona underwent a long and dangerous evacuation process under fire and was admitted to Tel Hashomer Hospital, where he fought daily for over a year. After 417 days of bravery and resilience, he ascended to heaven at 06:29 on the 25th of Marcheshvan 5785 (November 26, 2024), at the age of 23.
Yona, the youngest of six siblings, was remembered as a courageous soldier, a devoted medic, and a person of deep faith and character. His courage, selflessness, and unwavering dedication remain an inspiration to all who knew him.
Life is full of unexpected challenges, but the power to choose how to face them is always in your hands.
The information on this page is part of the "Yizkor" commemoration project by the Ministry of Defense / the "La’ad" website by the National Insurance Institute, in memory of the fallen. We strive for accuracy and apologize for any errors. For corrections or comments, please contact us here: https://aaciremembers.org/contact-us
