The IDF spokesperson permitted publication of the death of Yona Bezalel Brief (23), a resident of Modiin and combat medic in the Duvdevan unit, who was severely injured in battle in Kfar Aza on the afternoon of October 7th. He remained hospitalized in critical condition for more than 400 days until he succumbed to his wounds this morning. Yona had sustained an earlier injury before the war during counter-terrorism activity in the West Bank but insisted on returning to his unit.
Brief was a graduate of the Ma’ale Efraim pre-army program and is survived by his parents, Hazel and David, and five siblings. His friends and family cared for him throughout his prolonged hospitalization. A mass prayer gathering for his recovery had been planned for this evening at the Western Wall; Instead Yona is expected to be laid to rest later today.
Haim Bibas, the mayor of Modiin, eulogized: “Staff Sergeant Yona Bezalel Brief, Of Blessed Memory, our city’s son, the brave fighter from the Duvdevan unit of the Commando Brigade, passed away this morning after a prolonged and painful struggle since he was severely injured in a heroic battle at Kibbutz Kfar Aza on October 7. Yona fought for his life with the same strength and determination that characterized him as a fighter.”
