the son of Rachel and Yisrael Chanoch, grew up in Psagot, surrounded by five siblings. He lived with his wife Shira and their three children in Kibbutz Kerem Shalom. A devoted father, Yedidya loved spending playful and joyful moments with his kids and was a beloved and loving partner to his wife.
Deeply connected to Torah in his daily life, Yedidya sought opportunities to learn and grow. He was constantly seeking study partners and was passionate about his dream of earning rabbinic certification. His work on a book of weekly Torah commentaries based on the interpretations of the Abarbanel brought him immense joy, allowing him to combine his livelihood with spiritual endeavors. When faced with halachic questions, Yedidya would diligently consult texts until he found an answer, even when others had already moved on.
An aspiring poet, he often wrote verses inspired by his thoughts and experiences, keeping them saved on his phone. Yedidya was known for his kind and insightful nature, connecting deeply with others through his warm gaze and thoughtful conversations. He had an exceptional ability to dive into meaningful discussions, balancing seriousness with humor and mischief, making those around him cherish his company.
Unafraid of expressing his beliefs, Yedidya stayed true to himself and approached life with authenticity and independent thinking. He had a rare talent for listening deeply, even to differing opinions, fostering genuine connections with people from diverse backgrounds. His open-heartedness and empathy made him excel in his studies and career in social work and mental health care.
On the morning of October 7, 2023, Yedidya joined the rapid response team of Kibbutz Kerem Shalom to defend his community against terrorists. He and his team successfully eliminated an infiltrating terrorist cell and held off attackers for hours, preventing them from entering the kibbutz.
At around 10:15 a.m., the team received a distress call from a family whose home had been breached. Yedidya ran to their aid. While circling the house, he discovered a fallen comrade and the breach in the security barrier through which the terrorists had entered. Taking cover behind the generator room adjacent to the family’s home, Yedidya was unaware that the terrorists were inside. They spotted him through a window and shot him from behind, killing him instantly. His bravery and that of his comrades ultimately saved the family from massacre or abduction, as the attackers fled upon realizing reinforcements were approaching.
May his memory be a blessing.
