‘The best friend I ever had’: IDF reservist killed fighting Hezbollah laid to rest in Jerusalem

Sgt. Maj. (res.) Yishai Netanel Greenbaum, who died over the weekend of wounds sustained fighting Hezbollah in Lebanon earlier this month, is laid to rest at the Mount Herzl military cemetery in Jerusalem.

His widow, Hadas, says at the funeral: “I was privileged to live with you for 12 years. It was a love one could only dream of. We built our own nest, our own language. Over the years, four pure souls were added to this nest. You were a perfect partner, so loving and caring, always doing everything you could to make life easier for me. You were the best friend I ever had.”

Sgt. Maj. (res.) Yishai Netanel Greenbaum, whose death from injuries sustained fighting in Lebanon was announced by the IDF on October 19, 2024 (Israel Defense Forces)

His sister Esti Greenbaum tells the Kan broadcaster that her brother was an organ donor.

“His heart continues to beat in someone else’s body, that was his last request,” she is quoted as saying.

A platoon sergeant in the Alon Brigade’s 5030th Battalion, Greenbaum was wounded on October 9 during a battle with Hezbollah operatives. Sgt. Maj. (res.) Ronny Ganizate was killed during the same fight.

Greenbaum, 38, from Lod, leaves behind his wife and four children.