Family and friends celebrate the birthday of the fallen soldier Yonathan Elias
In a touching tribute, family and friends gathered to commemorate what would have been the 21st birthday of Corporal Yehonatan Elias, a fallen soldier from the Givati Reconnaissance Battalion. The event, held at the Chasdei Naomi branch in Jerusalem, was a testament to Yehonatan’s spirit of giving and volunteerism.
A Life of Service, Remembered
Yehonatan Elias, a warrior in the elite Givati unit, fell in battle in southern Gaza just two months ago. His parents, Shulamit and David, along with his siblings Harel, Shira, and Yuval, chose to honor his memory in a way that reflected his core values – through a day of dedicated volunteerism.
“We wanted to do something meaningful,” his mother explained. David, his father, added, “Yehonatan was always the first to volunteer.” This sentiment echoed throughout the day as participants from various walks of life – family members, childhood friends, army comrades, and pre-military academy peers – came together to pay tribute to Yehonatan and continue his legacy of giving.
Acts of Kindness in Action
The volunteer activities at Chasdei Naomi were diverse and impactful:
- School Supplies for the Needy: Participants packed a variety of school supplies into new backpacks for Chasdei Naomi’s ‘Full Backpack’ project, aiding children from low-income families and evacuees.
- Food Packages for the Vulnerable: Volunteers assembled food packages containing essential groceries for struggling families, the elderly, and impoverished Holocaust survivors.
- Prayer Book Distribution: As part of the day’s activities, prayer books were distributed, reflecting Yehonatan’s spiritual side.
A Symbol of Unity and Remembrance
All volunteers wore purple shirts, symbolizing the Givati Brigade where Yehonatan served. The shirts bore a verse from Psalms that was close to Yehonatan’s heart: “Who is the man who desires life… Guard your tongue from evil…” – a reflection of his quiet and modest nature.
Remembering Yehonatan
Rabbi Elad Guri, who guided Yehonatan at the pre-military academy, described him as a quiet individual with immense inner strength. Following his passing, the family distributed copies of the book “Chofetz Chaim,” and many read it in his memory.
Monique, Yehonatan’s aunt, summed up his character: “He didn’t talk much, but he did a lot. Our message is – be simple, be like Yehonatan.”
A Legacy of Giving
This volunteer day not only commemorated Yehonatan’s memory but also continued his legacy of kindness and charity. All participants felt a profound sense of fulfillment from this special activity, believing they were doing exactly what Yehonatan would have wanted to do.
Reflection
The event serves as a powerful reminder of how a life, though cut short, can continue to inspire positive action and community service. It demonstrates the healing power of collective action and the importance of remembering our fallen heroes not just through words, but through deeds that embody their values and aspirations.
In choosing to celebrate Yehonatan’s life through acts of kindness, his family and friends have created a living memorial – one that will continue to touch lives and spread goodwill, just as Yehonatan did during his brief but impactful life.
