What’s New
In a heart-wrenching double blow, the Israel Defense Forces lost two brave soldiers, who were also first cousins, within the span of this month. Staff Sgt. Yedidya Azugi, 21, from the Paratrooper Brigade’s 101st Battalion, was fatally engaged in combat against Hamas in the northern Gaza Strip. Earlier this month, on May 10, Sgt. Daniel Levy, 19, of the Nahal Brigade’s 931st Battalion, was killed during a confrontation in Gaza City’s Zeitoun neighborhood.
Why It Matters
The sacrifice of these young soldiers underscores the immense personal and national price Israel continues to pay in its fight against terrorism. Both hailed from different parts of the country — Azugi from Revava in the West Bank, and Levy from Kiryat Motzkin, near Haifa — illustrating the widespread dedication to defending Israel.
Key Details
Staff Sgt. Yedidya Azugi leaves behind his parents and five siblings. Sgt. Daniel Levy lived with his father, David, and was remembered as modest and respectful. Both soldiers chose the path of combat, signifying their unwavering commitment to Israel’s security.
Family’s Greif
“The family’s pain is absolutely terrible,” David Levy expressed. The soldiers’ 82-year-old grandmother, Ninet, also mourns their tragic loss. “These two grandsons were so close” to their grandmother, he said, highlighting their similarities in character — both were humble and respectful.
A Heartbreaking Timeline
Yedidya received the fatal news just yesterday, adding to the family’s sorrow as his younger sibling was due to celebrate an important family event soon. The swift involvement of closely-knit community officials like the mayor of Kiryat Motzkin only partly eased the gloom.
“Mom received the message that Yedidya died yesterday at 11:30 p.m. We brought along the mayor because we thought it might make things easier,” David Levy disclosed.
Larger Context
Amid the broader conflict, two hundred and ninety-two soldiers have given their lives during operations against Hamas and in other key missions along the Gaza border. War, which erupted on October 7 after a deadly Hamas infiltration, thus far claimed around 1,200 Israeli lives, spotlighting the ongoing challenges and Israeli resolve in combating terrorism.
A Fatal Connection
David shared, “Just before Daniel was killed, he and Yedidya spoke about the possibility of meeting each other in Gaza. Tragically now, they meet in the hereafter, assuredly looking out for one another.”
The loss felt across the generations of their family reflects the nature of sacrifice that bonds Israeli families in times of crisis and their resilience in the face of insurmountable losses.
This story was first published on timesofisrael.com.