The Remarkable Letter Yoni Steinberg HY”D Gave to his Wife, Yiska
Brigadier General Yoni Steinberg was one of the Hamas’ first victims early on the morning of October 7th when he was ambushed by 12 terrorists near Ofakim. This past Shabbat at the Heroism Tent, Yoni’s grieving brother shared the awe-inspiring story of Yoni’s life which he (along with Yoni’s wife and and their 6 children) dedicated whole-heartedly to serving the Jewish people and protecting Israel. Yoni wasn’t motivated by money or honor or power. What motivated him was 24-karat idealism and unwavering commitment to being an eved Hashem, no matter what that entailed.
[To get a sense of this remarkable human being, here is a letter Yoni wrote to his wife, Yiska, on the eve of entering the equally demanding and crucial position of Brigadier General of the Binyamin region]:
Dearest Yiska,
Rav Kook wrote: Most people in society are meant to live regular, orderly lives. But in order for the majority to live those regular lives, unique people are needed to stand on guard for the community, to volunteer for intense labor that goes far beyond regular boundaries.
Like soldiers who sometimes forgo sleep and stand on guard for many hours beyond what is acceptable for a normal life. And these exceptional people accept this burden with love, if they are people of spirit, and are happy with their labor, since they know that only through their volunteering to withstand suffering beyond normal boundaries, they are enabling the children of our nation to live regular lives.
My dear Yiska, it is true that for many years we have been living an extreme life and accepted that yoke with love, but it seems that this current position will require a new peak of intensity, responsibility, and commitment.
Out of faith in the Rock of Israel and His redemption, and the knowledge that we are only messengers of God in his world, and we try to perform God’s mission in the best possible way. Together!!! You, me and the children, will attack this new mission!”
With infinite love, admiration, and appreciation,
Yoni
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Wow, greatness!