We Remember

Yosef Guedalia HY"D was born December 26, 2000, and grew up in Beit Shemesh. He was a beloved brother to Shira, Asher, Yael, Charlie, Esther, and Elisheva, and husband to Sinai. After studying at Chorev Yeshiva High School in Jerusalem and in the Eli pre-military academy, he joined the elite Duvdevan unit where he participated in over 100 operations. Yosef was known for his quiet, humble nature and infectious smile. He was deeply guided by Torah values, work ethic, acts of kindness, and Zionism. His friends recall how he would leave conversations involving gossip, saying "This won't help build the Beit HaMikdash." Yosef was a talented athlete who played basketball and ultimate frisbee, Yosef was always surrounded by friends and family.

On October 7, 2023, when the attack began, Yosef was in shul. Instead of proceeding to his scheduled military operation in Judea and Samaria, he and a comrade traveled south to Kibbutz Kfar Aza. There, he used a drone to identify the presence of dozens of terrorists and directed his friends to combat zones. Tragically, he fell in battle that day at just 22 years old. He was buried at Mount Herzl Military Cemetery, leaving behind his wife, parents, siblings, and a legacy of valor.

Hersh Goldberg-Polin HY"D was born October 3, 2000 and made Aliyah from the United States at age seven. He grew up in Jerusalem with his sisters Libi and Orly. Hersh graduated from Himmelfarb High School. Hersh was characterized by his warm personality, genuine curiosity about the world, and love for people.

Hersh loved basketball and was a devoted fan of Hapoel Jerusalem. He enjoyed nature, music, and deep conversations about values and identity. Friends remember his rare combination of gentleness and strength, humor and judgment, humility and sharpness. Hersh was wounded and kidnapped from the Nova Festival and was held hostage in Gaza. He was murdered in Gaza in August 2024 at the age of 24, leaving behind his parents and two sisters.

Binyamin Airley HY"D was the son of Jennifer and Robert. He was born on September 26, 2002, in New York, and was brother to Sarah, Yehuda, Akiva, Yaakov, and Hannah. His family made aliyah to Israel in 2006, and he grew up in Beit Shemesh.

Binyamin was a participant at Camp Amichai. He served as a combat soldier in Tzanchanim the Paratroopers Brigade. His relatives described him as "very modest and not attached to material things." Before his enlistment, his mother wanted to take him shopping so he would have all the necessary equipment, but he explained there was no need to buy him anything.

While serving in Tzanchanim, he also studied at a hesder yeshiva in Safed. He loved studying Torah, and during his leaves, he volunteered as a shepherd and guard in the settlements of Binyamin region.

His father eulogized him saying: "He was humble. He didn't like his name being mentioned... He was a leader. He had a smile that lit up the room. He wasn't like a typical teenager. He had principles. He would return after military training exhausted but preferred to go to the farm he called home, to work with the cows and stand guard during his free Sabbath. He was a hero. He always wanted to be at the front with his 'Negev' (machine gun). I remember sleeping outside with mosquitoes, and I offered him spray. He told me no, he wanted to get used to the bites because he wouldn't always have spray."

Staff Sergeant Binyamin Meir Airley fell in battle on November 18, 2023. He was twenty-one years old.

Amitai Even Shushan HY"D was the son of Efi and Mali, and brother to Orel, Liad, and Avishai. He was a loving partner to Ayala and lived in Moshav Azriel. Amitai was a graduate of the "Bnei David" yeshiva in Eli and served as a combat soldier in training with the Commando Brigade.

Amitai was an admired youth leader in Bnei Akiva and in Mashatzim, a natural-born leader. He was a courageous warrior, a Torah scholar, and someone who constantly strived for truth and justice.

He was principled, dedicated, and beloved as a brother, partner, and friend. Amitai never gave up when things got difficult. He knew when to offer criticism when needed and a supporting shoulder when appropriate. He never left anyone behind.

Amitai had a genuine love for the land of Israel and enjoyed hiking at every opportunity. A man of Torah, he would study at every small moment and never missed tfillot. He loved life, enjoyed himself and was always smiling even through hardships.

Amitai was just 20 years old when he fell.

Yona Bezalel Brief HY"D, son of Hazel and David, was born on March 28, 2001, and grew up in Modi'in. He was brother to Nava, Micha, Yasmina, Libi, and Aviel.

Yona loved life - exploring Israel, spending time with family and friends, playing music, and learning new things. He was known for his mesmerizing smile that stretched from ear to ear. For years, he was a beloved chanich at Camp Amichai.

Yona served in the elite Duvdevan unit, as a combat medic. In May 2023, he was wounded for the first time during an operational activity in the Shomron. After a long rehabilitation and much consideration, Yona made the courageous decision to return to his unit, despite having the option to be discharged.

On the morning of Simchat Torah (October 7, 2023), Yona and his team were called to Kfar Aza, where they fought for hours. Without hesitation, he protected his friends. During a rescue attempt, Yona was critically wounded.

From that moment, Yona began his personal battle. While fighting for his life in Room 11 of the Intensive Care Unit at Tel Hashomer Hospital, he maintained his magical presence, his enormous smile never leaving his face, and his characteristic serenity. Through this, he influenced and strengthened everyone around him.

After 417 days of what is described as "a long game of tag with Hashem," Hashem decided He wanted Yona close to Him. On the 25th of Marcheshvan 5785 (November 2024), Yona passed away.