Walking solemnly together, Boys Town Jerusalem High School students joined thousands of Israelis entering Mt. Herzl National Military Cemetery on Israel’s Memorial Day for Fallen Soldiers and Victims of Terror. Tragically, these teens made their way to visit the graves of their own BTJ classmates and friends who have fallen since the outbreak of the October 7, 2023 War.
Remembering Benyamin, who carried a giant heart
At the grave of Sgt. Benyamin Yona, his teacher Rabbi Amos Daikon recalled with both a smile and tears the hardships and heroism that defined this remarkable young man. “Benyamin’s giant heart was beyond measure. He sacrificed focusing on his academic education so he could work long hours to support his invalid mother. He was sensitive to the needs of his classmates, reaching out to help anyone in need. Although every day was a struggle for Benyamin, he never complained. His smile never left his face.”
From student to soldier to hero
When Benyamin’s mild heart condition prevented his being drafted to the IDF, he volunteered to serve. As a heavy equipment driver in an Iron Dome mobile air-defense installation in Israel’s south, Benyamin and his comrades suddenly found themselves on the battlefield on October 7th . As hundreds of Hamas terrorists stormed the area to murder civilians, Benyamin and his fellow soldiers fought heroically, killing numerous enemy fighters before losing their lives.
United in memory and legacy
At the Memorial Day assembly on campus that followed, Boys Town Jerusalem students gathered to honor the over 70 students and faculty members who have fallen defending Israel since 1948. High School Principal Rabbi Avichai Charazi urged the students, “In their memory and honor, our mission is to become better, more compassionate people working to improve humanity. May we be blessed to add light to this world in a peaceful, thriving Israel.”