All in for Am Yisrael

In Israel, the story of Sgt. First Class Yona Betzalel Brief is a testament to courage, resilience, and the profound love that unites a nation. Thousands gathered at Mount Herzl Military Cemetery in Jerusalem to honor his memory in a funeral that embodied not only sorrow but also unrestrained compassion and faith.

Yona’s story began in the elite Duvdevan commando unit of the IDF, where he served as a combat medic. On the morning of October 7, 2023, amidst the horrifying Hamas attack on Kibbutz Kfar Aza, Yona’s heroism shone through. As the first soldiers to confront the massacre, Yona and his unit were met with unspeakable brutality. His best friend, Amir Fisher, and commander, Ben Bronshtein, were shot before his eyes. Without hesitation and heedless of his own safety, Yona rushed to their aid, exposing himself to enemy fire.

The cost of his bravery was immense. Yona sustained thirteen bullet wounds, shattering both of his legs and leaving him grievously injured. Yet, even as his body lay broken, his spirit remained steadfast. In the chaos of battle, Yona continued to care for others, embodying the highest ideals of courage and sacrifice.

For the next 417 days, Yona fought a different battle in the intensive care unit of Sheba Medical Center. Surrounded by his devoted family and a team of medical professionals, he endured numerous surgeries and infections. Despite the physical toll, Yona’s faith remained unshaken. His mother, Hazel, recounted his insistence on putting on tefillin each morning, weaving the leather straps through the tubes and bandages that covered his arms.

Yona became a symbol of hope for an entire nation. His room, filled with messages of support, became a beacon of resilience for Israelis battered by war. Even in his suffering, he inspired others with his humor, warmth, and indomitable will to live.

At his funeral, his mother delivered a heart-wrenching eulogy:
"We were all in for you, dear Yona, and you were all in for Am Yisrael."

Michael Oren, who attended the funeral, captured the extraordinary moment in his powerful commentary:
"Along with sorrow, love abounded—for Yona, of course, but also for the land and the country he loved, for Jerusalem and the Jewish people."

Oren’s reflection not only highlights Yona’s heroism but also contrasts the solemn unity displayed at his funeral with the rage-filled chants of vengeance at a Hezbollah funeral held the same day in Beirut.

To read the full story and Michael Oren’s compelling commentary, click here: Love and Rage: A Tale of Two Funerals