Givati Patrol soldier Staff Sgt. Yonadav Raz Levinstein, who was killed in battle in the northern Gaza Strip, is laid to rest at the military cemetery on Mount Herzl, attended by hundreds of people. Levinstein lived in Ma'ale Adumim and was 23 years old when he fell.
Liora, Yonadav's mother, eulogized her son in tears: "You are the youngest son, beloved of my soul. You have remained to fill all my heart and will always remain so. You were independent and smart, strong and hardworking. Always with the warmest smile and the biggest heart. Three years ago, when Dad was on his deathbed, he said how proud he was of you. You worked in the City of David where you found your choice of heart Hadar. You got married two months ago. A handsome couple complement each other in divine harmony. You were proud to serve in the IDF, you fell for the sanctity of God and the land. We will love you forever."
Staff Sgt. Yonadav Raz Levinstein, Photo: IDF Spokesperson
Col. Guy Biton eulogized Yonadav and said: "From the beginning you were highly motivated. You became your teammates like a big brother. You always knew how to say the right word. A man of justice, truth and a leader. About two months ago, you married the choice of your heart Hadar. You were a professional and skilled fighter. You fought bravely with your friends. On October 7, you reported for combat. You fought Nir Oz against hundreds of terrorists, saving dozens of civilians. Yesterday, you were hit by terrorist fire and fell. Yonadav, the Viking of the cruiser. I promise you that we will restore security to the citizens of Israel. Dear Hadar, continue Yonadav's dream of establishing a Jewish home of values in the Holy Land. There is no consolation in words in the face of the grief and bereavement that has befallen you. The only consolation is that we will defeat our enemies. Yonadav, you will be greatly missed. I salute you."
Aviel, Yonadav's brother, eulogized in a broken voice: "My dear brother, Samson is a hero like you. We were six brothers, now five. You were supposed to finish your service and start your life. Your bright, quiet and pleasant personality. I will never forget our shared experiences. How much happiness you gave us when you brought us the wonderful splendor. How much I love you, brother, and want you here with me."
Yonadav Levinstein's funeral, photo: Oren Ben Hakon
To Nathan, Yonadav's brother: "I'm sorry for you, brother Yonadav. How did heroes fall? My little brother, you were a giant in your personality and size. There's no book you haven't read and there's no musical instrument you didn't know how to play. There is no trail in the country that you have not hiked. You stood out wherever you were. How proud Dad was of you. You're probably sitting upstairs learning something. He's proud of you. You were a rock in my life, I knew I could count on you. How did we lose you? You were supposed to be discharged from the army in a month. You have already planned your trip with Hadar all over the world. Know every detail of our people's history. You fought to become a fighter in the Givati Patrol. You are part of the war for the future of our country. This war should be the last. The price is too heavy. I call on the prime minister and defense minister: Don't you dare stop and capitulate, don't bring a millimeter of fuel into Gaza until all of Hamas-ISIS comes out of their holes. Now is the time to do. We did not choose this war. The war was forced upon us and must be ended once and for all. We paid the price. Now it must be finished for the fallen and future generations. If you are unable to finish the task, give way. Yondi, watch over us from above. Take care of all the people of Israel. I miss you madly. I adore and love you forever."
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