The First Yahrtzeit of Soldier Yisrael Yudkin, HY”D
Today, the 14th of Iyar, marks the first yahrtzeit of Hatomim Yisrael HaKohen Yudkin, may G-d avenge his blood, a member of a Chabad family from Kfar Chabad, who was tragically killed in Gaza a year ago while heroically defending the Jewish people in the Land of Israel • Full Story
Yisrael HY”D served as the Deputy Company Commander in the IDF’s Netzach Yehuda Battalion, which is composed of religious soldiers. He fell in the line of duty during the Swords of Iron War, killed by a Hamas sniper just weeks before his 23rd birthday.
He is particularly remembered for the courageous battle his family waged to add the sacred designation “HY”D” (“Hashem Yikom Damo” – May G-d avenge his blood) on his military gravestone. Their persistence led to a national policy change, enabling all bereaved families to request the same inscription for their loved ones who were killed in acts of terror or war.
A Life of Torah, Service, and Sacrifice
Yisrael was born on Erev Shavuos 5761 (2001) in Kfar Chabad to Rabbi Tuvia and Mrs. Tzipora Yudkin, and was a grandson of Rabbi Micha Steinmetz and a great-grandson of Rabbi Chaim Shaul Brook and Rabbi Yitzchak Gershenkorn, the founding mayor of Bnei Brak.
He studied in the Chabad yeshivas of Toras Menachem and Daas in Rechovot, and later enlisted in the IDF, taking on leadership in the Netzach Yehuda Battalion.
He was murdered on the 14th of Iyar, 5784, during active combat in Gaza, on the same date as Pesach Sheni, a time associated with second chances and redemption—symbolic of his ultimate sacrifice.
Legacy and Remembrance
In his memory, his family began writing a Sefer Torah and established a Beit Knesset named “Ahavat Yisrael” in Kfar Chabad.
On the 30th day after his passing, the family requested the Defense Ministry to allow the addition of the letters “HY”D” on his gravestone. Initially rejected, the family launched a public and political campaign that garnered wide support, including from Knesset members and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant.
By Sivan 5784, the public council for soldier commemoration voted to approve the use of “HY”D” or “Z”L” on military gravestones. This historic decision led to the first-ever engraving of “HY”D” on a military headstone in Israel, setting a precedent for all bereaved families.
At the unveiling ceremony, Defense Minister Gallant joined the Yudkin family and close friends in honoring the memory of this heroic young man.
May his memory be a blessing, and may G-d avenge his holy blood.
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