Y., a wounded Netzah Yehuda soldier who lost his leg in the war, joined the Holocaust remembrance delegation.
“His presence here in Auschwitz reflects the deep bond between generations and the strength of our people,” says the delegation organizer.
Enlistment, Injury, and Determination
Y. enlisted in March 2024 and was severely wounded by an RPG during combat operations in Gaza during the Hanukkah holiday. His friend and fellow soldier, Uriel Peretz z”l, was killed in the attack. According to the IDF’s investigation, Israeli forces were operating inside a building in Beit Hanoun as part of an expanded offensive. During the mission, a terrorist cell identified the troops and fired an RPG at close range. Peretz was killed, and three other soldiers, including Y., were wounded and evacuated for medical treatment.
Y.’s injury led to the amputation of his leg. Despite his critical injury and the long rehabilitation that followed, he joined a special delegation to Poland.
At the Holocaust memorial ceremony held at the Auschwitz Opera House, Y. and other IDF soldiers lit memorial candles in honor of the victims of the Holocaust and prayed for the safety of IDF troops and the future of the Jewish people.
Standing Tall—on One Leg
During the ceremony, Y. stood on one leg in front of the emotionally moved crowd.
“I will stand in the name of my fellow soldiers,” said Y. “For Uriel, for the wounded, and for the fallen who made it possible for us to be a free people in our land.”
Boarding the Plane:
י’ הלוחם שנפצע בעלייתו למטוס עם המשלחת לפולין | צפו pic.twitter.com/3mTW48Y5oL
— דסק רגע (@deskrega) April 24, 2025
A Bridge Between Generations
David Hagar, who organized the delegation, noted: “Y.’s presence here in Auschwitz as a severely wounded ultra-Orthodox soldier represents the deep connection between generations and the strength of our people. He embodies the unbreakable spirit of the Netzah Yehuda fighters.”
