"Wanted the world to be a better place"

On the morning of October 7, he still had time to call his brother Randy and ask him to ensure that their mother, Grace, would not watch the news because there was a missile attack on Israel. He entered Gaza as a fighter in the Combat Engineering Corps, in the 603rd Engineering Battalion, within the 'Saar Megolan' formation, and fell on December 8th during a battle in southern Gaza.

Like his extraordinary life story, his departure from life was also unique. The first ceremony was held at a military camp in Israel, with most of the eulogies given in English so that the friends who attended and the family members who watched from afar could understand. His dear friend Najma paid tribute to him: "Yoni, my love, the love of my life, and the person who was supposed to be with me through fire and water. He wanted the world to be a better place."

At the end of this ceremony, Jonathan's journey made his way back home to his family. A casualty officer and a representative of the military rabbinate accompanied the casket, draped with the Israeli flag, on the long flight to the second ceremony at the cemetery. His family had watched the first one as it was live streamed from Israel. All of his family were very touched and his mother mentioned the 7 wreaths that were placed on his pine casket with the Israeli flag draped on it as being beautiful and moving.

His burial ceremony in Upstate New York was on a winter day befitting the cold northern country and was an unusual event led by a Jewish Rabbi. In the background, a Scottish band played a bagpipe tune called 'Coming Home’ and a Christian hymn called ‘Amazing Grace.’

At the burial site, his brother Randy gave a eulogy, as his parents, siblings and all that loved him were there. Randy said in his eulogy,“He died while helping people, protecting them, and loving them. The Star of David is now resting above you to light your way.”

At the burial some mourned, some were stunned, some were strong, some could not and no one still could believe it.

"This loss has shocked not only the congregation of the 'Beth El' synagogue but the entire local Jewish community. I am proud that I was there to help him achieve his dreams. I never thought that his dreams would lead to his death. That is what hurts the most," Rabbi Bitran says. "He loved every moment. He was where he wanted to be, doing what he wanted to do. He was nearing the end of his service when the war broke out, and he planned to return to the United States in January. Unfortunately, this tragedy cut his life short," the Rabbi adds.

Indeed, it shocked the entire local community.

Two days later, the third ceremony was held at the local Christian Church in the city. Military and Honor guard and bagpipes again with beautiful floral arrangements and orange tulips given to everyone in his honor while his brother, Chad gave a touching eulogy and his former principal and mentor, Mr. Johnson conducted the service at Pastor Brado’s church.

Chad said of his brother “God needed another Warrior“

His brother RJ memorialized him, saying: "He defended his country and his people. He will be remembered in history as someone who died for what he believed in. Jonathan always said, 'I will not rest until this is over; this is my mission, this is my way, and this is what I was called to do.