Sergeant Major (Res.) Yona Betzalel Brief, a soldier in the elite Duvdevan unit, died a month ago after nearly 14 months of battling for his life. He was critically injured during the fierce battle at Kibbutz Kfar Aza on October 7.
Idan Amedi sings at Brief's wake
Brief’s story of courage began months earlier. In May 2023, he was gravely wounded during an operational mission in Tulkarm in the West Bank. Despite the severity of his injuries, he made a remarkable recovery and, defying all odds, chose to return to service with his unit.
On the morning of October 7, 2023, Brief and his team were deployed to Kibbutz Kfar Aza, where residents were heroically fighting off Hamas terrorists. Alongside his comrades, Brief helped eliminate dozens of terrorists in one of the most intense battles of that tragic Saturday. During the confrontation, he suffered life-threatening injuries and was evacuated to Sheba Medical Center, where he received ongoing treatment.
<< Get the Ynetnews app on your smartphone: Google Play: https://bit.ly/4eJ37pE | Apple App Store: https://bit.ly/3ZL7iNv >>
While hospitalized, Brief developed a close friendship with singer Idan Amedi, who visited him frequently. The two bonded over their shared time together during his recovery.
On the 30th day after Brief’s death, Amedi performed a heartfelt song in his memory, honoring the extraordinary bravery, resilience and sacrifice of his dear friend.
Amedi spoke about his friend at the memorial service held for the 30th day on Wednesday, recalling how they used to sing his songs together and how "Yona eats chocolate chips like it's a Michelin restaurant. We sing and smile and he asks me, 'Are you in pain? Can you rest?'"
Amedi added: "A few weeks after a medical procedure, the doctor asks me, 'Do you know Yona Brief?' in the way they ask if you know this superhero. I answer him, 'Yes,' and a few seconds later he starts crying. Yona was the potential of what we can be, kind-hearted, generous, funny in his own way and strong. I wish all of us and myself to learn from him."