A Loving Brother’s Memory
Gaby Young, the sister of Nathanel Young, a 20-year-old British man serving in the Israeli army, fondly recalls her brother as a “typical 20-year-old cheeky chappie.”
Nathanel, who was known for his fun-loving personality and passion for DJing, left a lasting impression on his family and friends.
A Strong Jewish Identity
Born in Southgate, north London, Nathanel Young had a strong Jewish identity.
He attended JFS, one of Europe’s largest Jewish secondary schools, reflecting his connection to his Jewish heritage.
Although he initially planned to stay in Israel for a short period, he ultimately spent a year there before joining the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF).
A Hero’s Calling
Gaby Young explains that her brother’s decision to join the IDF was driven by his desire to protect Israel and its civilians, particularly from the threats posed by terrorists.
Nathanel served in the Israeli army for one year, embodying a sense of duty and commitment to safeguarding his country.
The Fateful Morning
On the morning of October 7, as air raid sirens sounded, Nathanel contacted his sister. He had heard about missile threats while stationed on the border with Gaza.
Gaby and Nathanel exchanged WhatsApp messages during this tense moment, with Gaby describing the fear and urgency they experienced.
Anxiety and Uncertainty
As the day unfolded, Gaby noticed that her brother had stopped reading her messages, causing deep anxiety and uncertainty about his safety.
She, along with her family, hoped for the best, fearing that Nathanel had merely left his phone behind.
A Hero’s Sacrifice
Tragically, the IDF informed Gaby Young on October 8 that her brother had been killed while protecting a kibbutz on the Gaza border.
His heroic sacrifice highlighted the risks faced by soldiers in conflict zones.
Nathanel’s funeral took place amid the tension of the ongoing conflict, with air raid sirens ringing out during the ceremony.
Honoring Nathanel’s Legacy
Despite the challenges, Gaby Young finished her eulogy, displaying resilience in the face of adversity.
She expressed her hope to further honor her brother’s memory in more peaceful times, possibly by establishing a music studio for individuals dealing with PTSD or young people interested in music.
The story of Nathanel Young is a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by individuals like him in defense of their countries.