Remembering Yonah Brief, HY”D, a beloved hero and member of the JBN family whose light continues to shine long after his passing. Yonah was a combat soldier and paramedic in the elite Duvdevan unit, a young man whose courage was matched only by his kindness, humility, and deep love for others.

Yonah was critically wounded on the morning of October 7, 2023, while fighting in Kibbutz Kfar Aza. He was the youngest child of devoted American parents who made Aliyah from San Francisco, California, raising their family in the Land of Israel with faith, sacrifice, and love.

But Yonah’s story of heroism began months earlier. In May 2023, during an operation with his unit, he was severely wounded in both legs by an explosive device thrown at him. After enduring painful rehabilitation, Yonah was given the opportunity to leave the army and complete his service another way. Most would have understood. Most would have stepped away.

Yonah chose to return.

With strength beyond his years, he fought his way back and rejoined his brothers in uniform just one month before the Swords of Iron War began.

On October 7, Yonah and his six man Duvdevan team were among the first organized forces sent into the inferno of Kfar Aza. They rescued families trapped in safe rooms while terrorists roamed outside. In the middle of that mission, they were ambushed.

Without hesitation, Yonah ran into danger to save his commander, Ben Bornstein HY”D, and his dear friend Amir Fischer HY”D. In that selfless act of love and bravery, Yonah was struck by thirteen bullets.

Even reaching him became a battle of its own, as forces fought through ongoing terrorist encounters until a helicopter could finally land and evacuate him to Tel HaShomer Hospital.

Yonah was the first wounded soldier of the war to arrive there. From that day on, he fought the hardest battle of all, one that lasted 417 days. Through pain, surgeries, and unimaginable hardship, he showed the same strength he showed on the battlefield.

On the 25th of Marcheshvan 5785, November 26, 2024, at 6:29 a.m., Yonah’s pure soul returned to Heaven. He was only 23 years old.

The youngest of six siblings, Yonah was remembered as a fearless soldier, a devoted medic, and a young man of profound faith, warmth, and character.

For the first time after Yona woke up, he was asked which singer he would want to come and sing for him. Without hesitation, Yona answered: Idan Amedi. The Fauda star and singer.

During Idan’s own hospitalization in intensive care, a deep bond and special friendship had formed between the two.

Idan arrived at Har Herzl to pay his final respects to Yona on his Shloshim, marking 30 days since his passing.

He gave everything for others, and in doing so, became a symbol of courage and sacrifice for an entire people.

Yonah always said:

“Life is unpredictable, and the power to choose how to deal with it is in your hands.”

He chose bravery.
He chose faith.
He chose love.
And we will never forget him.