Yishai’s greatest joy came from his home life. Married to Hadas for 12 years, the couple shared what many described as a rare and profound bond.
By IDF Club
Yishai Nethanel Greenbaum, a devoted husband, father, social worker, and IDF reservist from Lod, lived a life shaped by service, love, and unwavering commitment to others.
At the age of 38, his journey was tragically cut short during the Iron Swords War, but the legacy he left behind continues to inspire all who knew him.
Called to Duty
On October 7, 2023, one of the darkest days in Israel’s history, Hamas launched a devastating assault on Israeli civilians.
It resulted in the deaths of more than 1,400 people, thousands of injuries, and numerous hostages taken into Gaza.
In the immediate aftermath, Yishai answered the nation’s urgent call to defend its people.
Deployed to the north amid rising hostilities with Hezbollah, Yishai joined the front lines as a combat reservist in the 5030th Battalion of the Alon Brigade.
Calm under pressure and deeply respected, he led his platoon with both strategic clarity and emotional strength.
His leadership extended beyond battlefield decisions—he uplifted those around him, offering stability and support in the most trying moments of war.
During fierce fighting in southern Lebanon, Yishai was critically wounded on October 9, 2024.
Despite ten days of intensive care at Rambam Hospital, he succumbed to his injuries on October 19, leaving behind a grieving family and community who cherished him.
At the Heart of His Life: Family
Yishai’s greatest joy came from his home life. Married to Hadas for 12 years, the couple shared what many described as a rare and profound bond.
Together, they raised four young children, and Yishai took deep pride in being present and loving, whether through bedtime stories, gentle lessons, or shared laughter.
His presence was felt in both small gestures and deep conversations.
In the months before his passing, Yishai welcomed the birth of his youngest daughter, Zohar.
Though his time with her was brief, he made sure to leave video messages for all his children, filled with love, advice, and reassurance—a parting gift from a father who never stopped caring.
A Rare Blend: Warrior and Healer
Yishai embodied a rare combination of strength and sensitivity.
As a social worker for the Lod Municipality, he specialized in trauma care for soldiers, helping them navigate the emotional aftermath of service.
Whether providing psychological first aid or leading resilience-building sessions, he was a pillar of comfort and hope for many.
His professional skills made him an even more exceptional soldier.
As a platoon sergeant, Yishai looked after not only the operational needs of his troops but their emotional well-being as well.
After heavy shelling, he personally checked on his soldiers’ mental state.
On cold nights, he ensured everyone had blankets. Through mindfulness, listening, and quiet encouragement, he held his unit together in the most difficult of times.
His commanding officer, Major Bar Tzarfati, described him as “the heart of the platoon”—a man who led with compassion as much as courage.
A Legacy That Lives On
Even in death, Yishai’s generosity continued.
As a registered organ donor, he gave the gift of life to others—one final act of kindness from a man who lived to give.
Friends, colleagues, and fellow soldiers remember him for his quiet strength, radiant smile, and steadfast values.
A rabbi from Yeshivat Hesder Ramat Gan, where Yishai once studied, recalled him as “gentle but firm, deeply humane and unwavering in faith.”
These qualities defined every chapter of Yishai’s life—from his family and professional work to the battlefield.
Yishai Greenbaum’s story is one of purpose, integrity, and boundless heart.
Though his voice has been silenced, the values he lived by continue to resonate, inspiring others to lead with kindness, bravery, and love.
