Staff Sgt. (Res.) Ben Zussman and Staff Sgt. Yosef Malachi Gedalia were cousins, two young soldiers who fell during the Swords of Iron War. Their lives reflected values of service, giving, courage, and compassion for others.
Staff Sgt. Yosef Malachi Gedalia grew up in Beit Shemesh, attended local schools, and later studied at Horev High School in Jerusalem. After graduating, he attended the Bnei David pre-military academy in Eli and served as a combat soldier in the Duvdevan Unit of the Commando Brigade. He was newly married to Sinai.
During the first hours of the October 7 terrorist attack, Yosef understood the scale of the disaster and immediately made his way to Kfar Aza. For many hours, he fought courageously against numerous terrorists. During the fighting, he rescued a severely wounded person under fire by administering first aid. He then returned to the combat zone to continue defending the residents of the kibbutz, where he was killed by an RPG. His family and friends remember him as a person filled with joy, devotion, and love for others.
Staff Sgt. (Res.) Ben Zussman grew up in Jerusalem and served as a combat soldier in the 601st Combat Engineering Battalion of the 401st "Iron Tracks" Brigade. He attended Himmelfarb High School, was a counselor in the Bnei Akiva youth movement, completed a year of national service, and was a professional table tennis player.
Ben was a man of action, generosity, who deeply believed in the meaning of life and contribution to society. Although he had completed his military service only a few months before the war, he reported for reserve duty on October 7 out of a strong sense of mission and responsibility. Ben fell in battle in the northern Gaza Strip on December 3, 2023.
After his death, his final words were shared publicly: "Even if something happens to me, I do not allow you to sink into sadness. I had the privilege of fulfilling my dream and purpose and be sure that I am looking at you from above with a huge smile." His words continue to give strength and inspiration to many.
Their families, friends, and loved ones wish to honor their memory in a way that reflects the values by which they lived, by donating an MDA Mobile Intensive Care Motorcycle that will continue to save lives.
Donate today and become a partner in saving the next life. ❤️🏍️
Bank transfer details: Bank: Leumi, Branch: 814, Account: 6078453 — Name: Israeli Friends of MDA
(Please send an email with your transaction reference to [email protected] for: "Memorial Project in memory of Ben Zussman and Yosef Malachi Gedalia, z"l")
Donations are tax-deductible under Section 46.
