Living the dream, led by the heart: In memory of Sgt. First Class Yedidya Eliyahu
Sgt. First Class Yedidya Eliyahu, who was 25 when he was killed, was the ninth of 11 children. He was a source of light, gentleness and calm at the heart of his family. True to his name, he was “everyone’s friend,” someone who treated everyone as an equal and brought people together with a natural, effortless ease.
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Skillful hands and a generous heart
Yedidya had a rare ability to blend the spiritual and the practical, rooted in his Torah study and his work with young people. Gifted with the hands of a craftsman and a generous heart, he knew how to make the most of every moment, whether through hard work, playing music and the rhythms he loved, or simply having a relaxed conversation in the backyard. He truly “lived the dream.”
A devoted family man and an extraordinary father, Yedidya always put his family first. While fighting in the Gaza Strip as an infantry soldier during the Iron Swords War, he was killed in battle after acting with determination and selflessness to join his fellow soldiers on the front lines.
Yedidya was the “center,” the steady, unifying and calming presence for his wife, his family and his comrades in arms. He is survived by his wife, three children, including a son born after his death, his parents and his loving siblings. His family carries forward his legacy: choosing life, spreading calm and contentment, and being a source of strength for everyone around them.
Sgt. First Class Yedidya Eliyahu, an infantry soldier, was killed on Nov. 3, 2023. He was 25.
May his memory be a blessing.
Sergeant First Class
Yedidya Eliyahu