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Four Dead Soldiers, Four Stories by Hillel FendelPublished: 01/06/09, 4:11 PM
(IsraelNN.com) The four victims of Monday’s fatal friendly-fire incidents in Gaza were: Maj. Dagan Vertman, 31, of Maaleh Michmas; Capt. Yehonatan Netanel, 26, of Kedumim; St.-Sgt. Nitai Stern, 21, of Jerusalem; and Corp. Yusuf Muadi, 19, a Druze soldier from Haifa.Capt. Yehonatan Netanel, 26, is survived by his wife Tziona and their 3-month-old daughter Maayan, as well as his parents and three siblings.
Capt. Yoni Netanel
Yehonatan, known as Yoni, grew up in Jerusalem, studied in the Yeshivat Merkaz HaRav high school and the pre-military yeshiva in Eli, and became an IDF paratroopers company commander.
His father, Rabbi Amos Netanel, said, “A week ago, he was in our home for the Sabbath [the day the war began – ed.], and he expressed the hope that the People of Israel would be strong enough to wage this offensive. He said the army knows how to do it and can do it. He had a fellow officer from Ashkelon, and when they met before he went out to battle, Yoni told him, ‘Kassams are falling on you, and we’re coming to solve the problem.’ It was clear to him that that was what had to be done. We are happy that this was his mission, and we hope the army will continue along this path of strength with the confidence that this is what has to be done.” A year and a half ago, Yoni was awarded his brigade’s top prize for excellence.“He was amazing in his sincerity, his integrity, and his morality,” Yoni’s father said. “I met officers who were with him when they went into Gaza, and they said he gave off an air of joy, confidence, and strength, and everyone was affected by it. He gathered an amazing group of fighters around him.”“When his commander asked him if he wasn’t afraid, Yoni said, ‘This is what we have been waiting for the whole time.’ … Regarding the fact that he was felled by friendly fire, it is important for us to emphasize that war is war, and no matter what, he fell in battle; he is considered holy and one who died for the Sanctification of G-d’s Name. We told the other officers that they must continue fighting with the same valor that they did until now.”
Maj. Dagan Vertman is survived by his parents, three brothers and a sister. He was a “man of Torah [who] believed in the future, the strength and the uniqueness of the Nation of Israel,” said those who knew him. He studied in local schools in the Binyamin (Shomron) towns of Maaleh Michmas and Ofrah, then in the Merkaz HaRav high school, and later in Yeshivot Or Etzion and Har HaMor. He ultimately became a company commander, took off for two years to study in yeshiva, and was drafted for the current war ten days ago.
Nitai Stern, 21, of Jerusalem, was buried at the Mt. Herzl Military Cemetery on Tuesday afternoon. His mother cried out over her son’s grave, “It’s not logical that parents should bury their children. Let no more soldiers die, we have no more strength, it’s enough.”
Yusuf Muadi, 19, was buried in the Galilee Druze village of Yarch, his family’s hometown. His father said he blames no one, and that it was son’s fate to die in war.
Fallen soldiers' families speak
Twelve hours before death Capt. Netanel sent his wife text message saying 'everything's alright'. Maj. Vertman started school, but returned to Golani for Gaza op. Cpl. Muadi's parents had bad feeling about op. Staff Sergeant Stern spoke with parents before mission, saying he couldn't talk with them for a few daysYnet reporters
Maj. Dagan Vertman from Ma'aleh Michmash started his studies the Har Hamor Yeshiva in Jerusalem shortly after completing his duties as company commander in the Golani Brigade. The father of Cpl. Yousef Muadi from Haifa said that before leaving to Gaza, his son told him, "Dad, you will be proud of me."
Casualties
Tank and infantry operations in Gaza investigated / Hanan Greenberg
Two incidents in which 4 soldiers killed in friendly fire under similar circumstances will be investigated. In both cases, tank fire was opened at building where IDF soldiers, who were suspected to be terrorists, were currently located. Soldiers killed identified as Major Dagan Wartman from Ma'aleh Mikhmash, St-Sgt Nitai Stern from Jerusalem, Cpl Yousef Moadi, 19, from Haifa, and Cpt Yonatan Netanel from Kedumim
On Monday night, the two were killed together with Staff Sergeant Nitai Stern from Jerusalem when a tank fired a shell at the building they were in on the outskirts of the Jabaliya refugee camp in the Gaza Strip.
In another incident 27-year-old Brigade officer Capt. Jonathan Netanel of Kedumim, the father of a three-month-old baby girl was killed early Tuesday morning.
Brigade officer Capt. Jonathan Netanel Reproduction Photo: IDF Spokesperson's Unit
Jonathan, who was a deputy company commander of the 202nd Paratroopers Brigade, married his wife Tziona about one year ago. Three months ago their daughter Maayan was born. Jonathan's commanders predicted a bright future for him in the IDF. Jonathan's wife, Ziona said, "On Thursday I met him in the Negev and asked Yoni if this would be our last meeting. He was dancing, happy. I told him to be serious. He said it will be alright. I asked him if he was afraid, he said "Nothing's going to happen to me"… He is my crown, he left me Maayan." Some 12-hours before he was killed Jonathan sent his wife a text message saying, "Everything's alright, you have nothing to worry about." Jonathan's father, Rabbi Amos Netanel said, "He died for Kiddush Hashem (the sanctification of God's name). Keep doing what you have to do, proceed with courage and might. He had integrity and morality wherever he went. Militarily, he was an outstanding officer, he was infused with a deep faith in God and the righteous path." The father added that "Yoni was raised on religious nationalistic Zionism, this is what grew inside him. He was educated at a Yeshiva for the youth. He was deeply infused with a strong faith. He wanted to be recruited for the best, he wanted to go to Sayeret Maglan (unit 212). He graduated successfully, received honors in the brigade, took an officers' course and wanted to reach the brigades where he said the combat was real. His soldiers admired him. About two years ago he received honors in the division." The father spoke of the bitter moment in which he received word of his son's death. "Last night I went to sleep with the feeling that this could happen. Just before 5 am officers arrived at the house, I was up and studying at the time." Jonathan will be laid to rest at 7 pm at the Mount Herzl cemetery in Jerusalem. He leaves behind his parents, wife, three-month-old daughter and three brothers.
Maj. Dagan Vertman, 32, of Ma'aleh Michmash
Maj. Dagan Vertman Photo: Avraham Yitzhak Meir
Some three months ago, 32-year-old Dagan Vertman completed his position as the Golani Division's 13th company commander and began his studies. The first few months went as expected, and Vertman excelled in his studies. When Operation Cast Lead was launched about a week-and-a-half ago, Dagan returned to the brigade and told the company commander, "If you're going in then I'm going in with you." Boaz Erzi, a neighbor and close friend to Dagan said his reputation preceded him. "He went to the army out of great faith, and everything he did, he did all the way. He was admired in the brigade, and was exceptionally devoted to every mission." Vertman's family is still unable to comprehend the difficult reality. "The officer arrived at their house at 5 am," family friend Asher Hirschberg said. "Two of the brothers were in the army when they heard of the tragedy, one in regular service and the other was recruited for reserves. "They are still in preliminary shock, but know that the greatest pain is yet to come, when life turns upside down. Only after the shiva will they realize the magnitude of their loss." Hirschberg said the family listened attentively to the officer informing them of their son's death, "but they had no anger. Not at all. They believed in this operation. They inquired on the details of the incident but understood the fighting conditions in the area, and that during massive combat sometimes tragedies occur. "This family is the salt of the earth. The father served for years in reserves as a medical assistant and the mother is a social worker, who during her duties has comforted a number of bereaved families. Who would have though that today she would cross over and turn into one of those herself?" Vertman's funeral procession will leave the Har Hamor Yeshiva at 2 pm and end at 3:30 at Mount Herzl where he will be laid to rest. Vertman leaves behind him his parents, three brothers and a sister.
Cpl. Yousef Moadi, 19, from Haifa
Cpl. Yousef Muadi Reproduction Photo: Shai Vaknin
Samir Moadi said that he spoke with his 19-year-old son for the last time on Saturday afternoon, shortly after he entered Gaza with his comrades. "He told me quietly, 'Dad, we are getting on buses, you will be proud of me', and we really are very proud of him," the father said. Samir added that despite the pain of losing their son to an Israeli shell, "We believe in fate and this must be his fate." Monday night an officer arrived at the Moadi family's house in Haifa to deliver the bad news of their son's death. Shortly afterward the family set off to Yarka in the western Galilee where their extended family resides. Tuesday morning hundreds of friends and family arrived to give their condolences. The father Samir who works in the Ministry of Agriculture and the mother Wafaa, a teacher, have lived in Haifa for the past few years where they worked and raised their children. Yousef's cousin Nadim said the soldier had a promising future ahead of him in the army. "He consulted with me before recruitment whether to go to Golani or another unit, and I recommended he go for Golani," the cousin said. "He was a good guy, a good soul, and a very serious and brilliant person. I was sure he was going to go very far, not just as common soldier, but beyond." Family members said that since the fighting broke out in Gaza Yousef has been on his parents' minds. "Yesterday the two of them had a bad feeling," Nadim said. "Both the mother and father were very worried. She had a bad feeling in her gut. A very bad feeling, and she told Samir she was very worried about her son's fate. "Then we heard rumors of fatalities, and my brother called his unit to find out what happened, and if something happened to Yousef. They avoided him, they were afraid to tell him the truth." The Moadis are a well respected family among the Druze community, and the father Samir's cousin, Sheikh Jaber Muadi served in the past as a Knesset member and minister. Yosef will be laid to rest at 3 pm in Yarka, and leaves behind his parents, a brother, a sister and grandparents.
Staff Sergeant Nitai Stern, 21, from Jerusalem
Staff Sergeant Nitai Stern Reproduction Photo: IDF
Nitani Stern last spoke with his parents on Saturday night. During their conversation he told them he loved them and would not be able to talk with them for a few days. Nitai's father Reuben said, "He was my boy, this is a very difficult time, all of Israel is grieving, and we are in particular." Stern's grandmother said, "A few weeks ago he came to my new apartment and told me, 'What a beautiful home you have.' He was a charming, non conceited, exemplary boy who was respectful with everyone." Nitai's cousin Elior told Ynet, "Nitai was a sweet boy, who was full of good and light, smiles and joy, with a crazy zest for life and dreams. He insisted on recruiting to Golani, even though he was supposed to go to engineering.
"Nitai was a warrior for the people of Israel, a hero and a martyr. We are so proud of him. We know he was fighting the war of this people." Nitai, whose brother also participated in the Gaza operation, studied at the Beni Hayl Yeshiva in Jerusalem. Nitai will be laid to rest at 7:30 at the Mount Herzl military cemetery. Nitai leaves behind him two brothers and two sisters. Efrat Weiss, Ahiya Raved and Daniel Edelson contributed to this report
January 5, 2009 – Maj. Dagan Vertman, 32, of Maale Michmash, was killed in an IDF friendly-fire accident during combat in the Gaza Strip.
Some three months ago, Dagan Vertman completed his position as Commander of the Golani Division's 13th company, and began his studies at the Har Hamor yeshiva. The first few months went as expected, and Vertman excelled in his studies. When Operation Cast Lead was launched about a week-and-a-half ago, Dagan returned to the brigade and told the company commander, "If you're going in then I'm going in with you."
Boaz Erzi, a neighbor and close friend of Dagan's said his reputation preceded him. "He went to the army out of great faith, and everything he did, he did all the way. He was admired in the brigade, and was exceptionally devoted to every mission."
Vertman's family is still unable to comprehend the difficult reality. "The officer arrived at their house at 5 am," family friend Asher Hirschberg said. "Two of the brothers were in the army when they heard of the tragedy, one in regular service and the other was recruited for reserves.
"They are still in preliminary shock, but know that the greatest pain is yet to come, when life turns upside down. Only after the shiva will they realize the magnitude of their loss."
Hirschberg said the family listened attentively to the officer informing them of their son's death, "but they had no anger. Not at all. They believed in this operation. They inquired about the details of the incident but understood the fighting conditions in the area, and that during massive combat, sometimes tragedies occur.
"This family is the salt of the earth. The father served for years in reserves as a medical assistant and the mother is a social worker, who during her duties has comforted a number of bereaved families.
Who would have though that today she would cross over and turn into one of those herself?" Maj. Dagan Vertman was laid to rest at the Mount Herzl military cemetery. He leaves behind his parents,
three brothers and a sister. www.onefamilyfund.org
January 5, 2009 – Cpl. Yousef Moadi, 19, of Haifa, was killed in an IDF friendly-fire accident during combat in the Gaza Strip.
Samir Moadi said that he spoke with his 19-year-old son for the last time on Saturday afternoon, shortly after he entered Gaza with his comrades. "He told me quietly, 'Dad, we are getting on buses, you will be proud of me,' and we really are very proud of him," the father said.
Samir added that despite the pain of losing their son to an Israeli shell, "We believe in fate and this must be his fate."
Monday night an officer arrived at the Moadi family's house in Haifa to deliver the bad news of their son's death. Shortly afterward the family set off to Yarka in the western Galilee where their extended family resides. Tuesday morning hundreds of friends and family arrived to give their condolences.
Yousef's father Samir, who works in the Ministry of Agriculture, and his mother Wafaa, a teacher, have lived in Haifa for the past few years where they worked and raised their children.
Yousef's cousin Nadim said the soldier had a promising future ahead of him in the army. "He consulted with me before recruitment whether to go to Golani or another unit, and I recommended he go for Golani," the cousin said.
"He was a good guy, a good soul, and a very serious and brilliant person. I was sure he was going to go very far, not just as common soldier, but beyond."
Family members said that since the fighting broke out in Gaza Yousef has been on his parents' minds. "Yesterday the two of them
had a bad feeling," Nadim said. "Both the mother and father were very worried. She had a bad feeling in her gut. A very bad feeling, and she told Samir she was very worried about her son's fate.
"Then we heard rumors of fatalities, and my brother called his unit to find out what happened, and if something happened to Yousef. They avoided him, they were afraid to tell him the truth."
The Moadis are a well respected family among the Druze community, and Samir's cousin, Sheikh Jaber Muadi served in the past as a Knesset member.
Cpl. Yousef Moadi was laid to rest in the Yarka cemetery. He leaves behind his parents, a brother, a sister and gandparents.
January 5, 2009 – St. Sgt. Nitai Stern, 21 of Jerusalem, was killed in an IDF friendly-fire
accident during combat in the Gaza Strip.
Nitani Stern last spoke with his parents on Saturday night. During their conversation he told them he loved them and would not be able to talk with them for a few days.
Nitai's father Reuven said, "He was my boy. This is a very difficult time. All of Israel is grieving, and we are in particular."
Stern's grandmother said, "A few weeks ago he came to my new apartment and told me, 'What a beautiful home you have.' He was a charming, exemplary boy, who was not conceited and respectful with everyone."
Nitai's cousin Elior told Ynet, "Nitai was a sweet boy, who was full of good and light, smiles and joy, with a crazy zest for life and dreams. He insisted on enlisting in Golani, even though he was supposed to go to engineering.
"Nitai was a warrior for the people of Israel, a hero and a martyr. We are so proud of him. We know he was fighting the war of this people."
Nitai, whose brother also participated in the Gaza operation, studied at the Bnei Chayil yeshiva in Jerusalem.
St. Sgt. Nitai Stern was laid to rest at the Mount Herzl military cemetery. He leaves behind his parents, two brothers and two sisters.
www.onefamilyfund.org
Obituary: IDF Lt. Yonatan Netanel Z”L February 8, 2009
IDF Lt. Yonatan Netanel z”l and his wife Tziona on Tuesday, Election Day, were planning to celebrate their first wedding anniversary together with their four-month-old daughter.
The young couple planned a vacation, something that they have not been able to do because of Yonatan’s military responsibilities, perhaps in Israel or even outside the country – the main thing was to spend time together.Instead of the vacation, last Thursday Tziona and her daughter Maiyan went to Yerushalayim to see the tombstone on the young officer’s kever. Yonatan, 27, was killed by mistaken IDF tank fire in Gaza.
Tziona, 24, is strong, and she will continue raising their daughter on the derech of Ahavas Eretz Yisrael, Am Yisrael and Torat Yisrael. Tziona explains that they say one’s neshama feels something 30 days before one dies. “Since we became one neshama, I too felt something,” explaining on the last Thursday, when Yoni phoned her to meet, she asked “Is this the last time we will be together?” to which he responded, “Everything will be okay. I am not afraid”.
Tziona says that looking back; she now knows that Yoni was also aware, he too showed signs.
As is the custom, a soldier who falls in the line of duty is promoted posthumously.An emotional Hebrew tribute to Captain Yoni Netanel, a profound statements of Emunah in HaKadosh Baruch Hu, and a profound exhibition of love for Am Yisrael and Eretz Yisrael .
(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)
January 6, 2009 – Capt. Yonatan Netanel, 27, of Kedumim, was killed in an IDF friendly-fire accident during combat in the Gaza Strip.
Yonatan, who was a deputy company commander of the 202nd Paratroopers Brigade, married his wife Tziona about one year ago. Three months ago their daughter Maayan was born. Yonatan's commanders predicted a bright future for him in the IDF.
"On Thursday I met him in the Negev and asked Yoni if this would be our last meeting," Tziona said. He was dancing, happy. I told him to be serious. He said it will be alright. I asked him if he was afraid, he said 'Nothing's going to happen to me.' He is my crown, he left me Maayan."
Some 12-hours before he was killed Yonatan sent his wife a text message saying, "Everything's alright, you have nothing to worry about."
Yonatan's father, Rabbi Amos Netanel said, "He died in sanctification of God's name. Keep doing what you have to do, proceed with courage and might. He had integrity and morality wherever he went. Militarily, he was an outstanding officer. He was infused with a deep faith in God and the righteous path."
Rabbi Netanel added that "Yoni was raised on religious nationalistic Zionism. This is what grew inside him. He was educated at a Yeshiva for the youth. He was deeply infused with a strong faith. He wanted to be recruited for the best. He wanted to go to Sayeret Maglan (unit 212). He graduated successfully, received honors in the brigade, took an officers' course and wanted to reach the brigades where he said the combat was real. His soldiers admired him. About two years ago he received honors in the division."
Rabbi Netanel spoke of the bitter moment when he received word of his son's death. "Last night I went to sleep with the feeling that this could happen. Just before 5 am officers arrived at the house, I was up and studying at the time."
Capt. Yonatan Netanel was laid to rest at the Mount Herzl military cemetery in Jerusalem. He leaves behind his parents, his wife, his three-month-old
daughter and three brothers. www.onefamilyfund.org
Kedumim mourns the loss of community member, Capt. Yehonatan Netanel,hy'd, who fell in battle, sanctifying God’s name, during Operation Cast Lead,
protecting the residents of Southern Israel.Yehonatan Netanel, 27, was A year ago, the young couple crew whose missile killed
raised in a home that was imbuedwith faith and religious Zionism.He studied in the “MercazHarav” high school and, afterward, in the pre-military yeshiva in Eli. He served in the special forces unit Maglan for three years and then did officers’ training, after which he served as group commander and assistant platoon commander.
Yoni’s aunt, Ruchama Efratifrom Kedumim, a teacher inUlpanat Lehava, introduced himto Tziona Huri from KiryatMalachi. Tziona worked withher in the Ulpana as coordinatorof the program for Ethiopianimmigrant girls who studyin the school.
Yehonatan Netanel, 27, wasraised in a home that was imbuedwith faith and religious Zionism.He studied in the “MercazHarav” high school and, afterward, in the pre-military yeshiva in Eli. He served in the special forces unit Maglan for three years and then did officers’ training, after which he served as group commander and assistant platoon commander.
Yoni’s aunt, Ruchama Efratifrom Kedumim, a teacher inUlpanat Lehava, introduced himto Tziona Huri from KiryatMalachi. Tziona worked withher in the Ulpana as coordinatorof the program for Ethiopianimmigrant girls who studyin the school.
married and moved toKedumim. Three months ago, their daughter, Maayan, was born (two months prematurely). Tziona and Yoni loved Kedumim despite the fact that Tziona was home alone muchof the time; Yoni was in thearmy and would return home once a fortnight. His superiors in the army predicted great things from the young officer. Tziona says, “On Thursday, I met him at Mishmar Hanegev and asked him if this would be the last time we would see each other. He danced; he was excited and I asked him to be serious. He said everything would be fine and that I shouldn’t worry.‘We’ll show them,’ he said. I asked him if he was scared and he said that nothing would happen to him. He felt bad about the time spent away from Maayan. He went to war whole heartedly. He was a wonderful husband and I am blessed that he left me Maayan.”
Amos Netanel, Yoni’s father, says, “Yonatan was full of faith, in our people, in the country, in the Torah. His honesty is what made him special.”In a conversation with the tank
Yoni, he said, “Yoni died honoring God. This was decreed from above and you were the holy messengerswho carried out the orders.It is better that he died atyour holy, pure hands than at the tainted hands of our enemy.”
At the other end of the line there were choked, tear-filled words of thanks. Amos Netanel continued: “It is important that you knowthat we love you. You are like our children and many other children that are fighting right now. Please, continue with the spirit that burned in Yoni; the spirit of faith, valor, courage and love. That way we will know that Yoni lives eternallywithin you.”
Yoni was killed in the area of Nissanit, one of the settlements that were destroyed when the residents of Gush Katif were evicted in the summer of 2005. This is the same area from which the Hamas continuouslyfired Kassam rockets at the south of the country.
Yehonatan is survived by his wife, daughter, parents, brothers and sisters.
May his memory be blessed.
Yoni and Tziona at their With their daughter Ma’ayan “sheva brachot”
A moment of prayer.
For more information,website: www.kedumim.org.il
For contributions please contactRaphaella Segal:
23th of Tevet 5769
January 19th, 2009
Chief of StaffMajor General Gabi AshkenaziIsrael Defense Forces
Dear Sir:On behalf of the Kedumim community, and as the head of the Local Council, we would like to thank you and express our appreciation for your steady leadership and boldness during Operation Cast Lead. This was a just war, which reality necessitated; it brought national unity and fortitude to new heights, and the credit goes to you as its leader.
We salute you for your assertive initiative, your handling of the media and for preventing information leaks. This reinforced the courage and confidence of our combat soldiers, and it conveyed strength to our home front. As someone who served in the Second Lebanon War, as Asst. Division Commander (Res.), I know how intrusive the media can be during wartime and,in fact, after the war, as well.
We commend you on leading the military with modesty, Jewish ideals and conviction; this is our land and our people and it is our duty to protect them. Kedumim – pioneer of the settlement movement in Judea and Samaria – paid a heavy price during this war. Resident Yonatan Netanel hy'd fell in the campaign. He is survived by his wife, Ziona and infant daughter, Ma'ayan, parents, brother and sisters.Lt. Aharon Karov was critically injured, just days after his marriage to Tzvia (nee Mordechai), who was born and raised in Kedumim.
Over 70 soldiers, career officers and reservists from Kedumim participated in Cast Lead – in the air, the sea, and on land.
We congratulate you, the officers and the soldiers for standing tall and firm against the critical media (which will only get worse in the coming days), and for your determination, conviction and support of the home front. You can draw strength from your soldiers who believe in the rightness of their way and from parents of the fallen, like Rav Amos Netanel, father of Yonihy'd, who fully supports and embraces our brave soldiers on their righteous mission.
It would be an honor to host you in Kedumim.With gratitude and appreciation,
Chananel Durani Myor, Kedumim
