"The beloved son is mine" – Expressing gratitude to Yakir, illuminating the teachings of his life.
Yakir was born on the 8th of Adar II, 5763 (March 12, 2003), and grew up in Kibbutz Hafetz Haim. He was an active and beloved youth counselor. He studied at the Mitzpe Yericho Yeshiva and later at the Hesder Yeshiva in Sha’alvim, through which he enlisted in the IDF and continued learning while serving. Yakir was a combat soldier in the 601st Engineering Battalion, part of the 401st Armored Brigade ("Iron Tracks" Division).
Yakir possessed a noble character, outstanding virtues, and exceptional wisdom. His conduct and way of life were deeply rooted in his unwavering faith in God. He stood out for his profound respect for his parents and rabbis, always seeking truth in his service of God and in all aspects of life. He frequently sought guidance from his mentors on how to elevate himself spiritually, even amid the challenges of military life. His primary motivation in war was the unity of the Jewish people. His essence and mission were to sanctify God's name as part of Am Yisrael. He constantly sought ways to connect to the greater whole, setting aside his personal self to fulfill his mission in the best possible way.
During the fighting, he told his rabbis that he was prepared to sacrifice himself for the sake of the nation and the land. In his personal notebook, which survived, he wrote:
"Now it is my turn to defend the home with all my strength and sanctify God's name in public."
And also:
"We fight in the name of God, for the honor and blood of our brothers, for Am Yisrael and Eretz Yisrael... From this, we draw strength—even when we are tired, sick, and struggling, we remember our love for the land and homeland, our love for our people, for our brothers and sisters who have fallen and been kidnapped, and our sense of truth and justice awakens to life."
Along with his notebook, his Gemara and other sacred books that he studied during the fighting also survived—a testament to the unity of "Sefer and Sword" (Torah and battle).
Yakir fell in a heroic battle in the southern Gaza Strip, in the Tel Sultan neighborhood of Rafah, during an encounter with terrorists in the midst of an attack. He was 21 years old. He ascended to the heavens in a firey blast along with seven of his comrades (known as the "Namerh" disaster) on the holy Sabbath, Parashat Naso, 9th of Sivan, 5784 (June 15, 2024).
His fall left a great void in the hearts of his family, friends, and all who knew him. Yet even in his passing, Yakir continues to inspire. Amid the immense pain, his family and loved ones have taken it upon themselves to commemorate his unique legacy in a way that leaves a lasting impact—establishing a Beit Midrash (study hall), a learning room, memorials, and additional projects in his name, continuing his path of spreading light, Torah, and unity within Am Yisrael, just as he did in his lifetime. In this way, his spirit will continue to beat within us and inspire future generations.
Join us in this journey of remembrance. Every donation is a building block, every partnership is a continuation of his legacy. Together, we will build, remember, and honor Yakir—the beloved son of us all.
Donations can be made from ma'aser funds.
Donation receipts are provided by the "Kol Rina" organization, which is recognized for tax-deductible donations under Section 46.
