On October 7th 2023, the life of every Israeli, of every Jew in the world changed forever. We faced unfathomable, unimaginable evil, and when this pure evil hit Israel, killing babies in their cribs, raping and killing women in front of their children, and doing unspeakable atrocities, many people did not stand by, they rushed into battle and fought, fought for us. One of them was my friend, my brother, Yakov Nedlin.

Yakov was a man of extraordinary kindness, known for his soft-spoken nature, spirit of compromise, and unwavering determination. At the age of 17, he left Kazakhstan to Israel, laying the foundation for a remarkable life.

While Yakov may have initially made aliyah to Israel alone, he was never without the warmth of companionship. His boundless love and compassion fostered a network of friends who became like family, myself included. He also built a beautiful family with his wife Maayan and their four incredible children.

Yakov's life was a testament to his dedication and passion for Israel. He served as an Infantry Captain in both regular and reserve forces, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to the land he cherished. Beyond his military service, he tirelessly pursued medical innovation to aid individuals grappling with various ailments.

Tragically, when terror struck Israel last week, Yakov's response was immediate and selfless. Without a moment's hesitation, he grabbed his bag, bid a heartfelt goodbye to his family, and rushed to the reserves, as he had done countless times before. However, fate had a different plan this time. Yakov fell in combat, protecting the nation he held dear and leaving his beloved family behind.

In light of this heartbreaking loss, I'm reaching out to raise funds for Yakov's family. These funds will provide them with the necessary support to navigate through this difficult time, offering both the space to heal and the resources to overcome this profound tragedy.