B”H In his final role, Colonel Yonatan (Yoni) Steinberg, Hy”d, served as the commander of the Nahal Brigade. He was a leader completely devoted to the Jewish people, always charging forward at the front lines. On the morning of Simchat Torah, as the echoes of gunfire began, he swiftly left his home and rushed to join his soldiers stationed at Kerem Shalom. True to his character, he heroically engaged the terrorists who ambushed him along the way. Yoni was a man who pursued perfection in everything he did, never settling for partial measures. He left behind a wife and six children.
The community of Shomria, the village where he lived, with the profound support of his widow Yisca, turned to us to partner in honoring his legacy. Together, we sought to build the village synagogue, located directly opposite his family home, which will bear his name: “Mishkan Yehonatan.” The construction, which had already begun, was in urgent need of completion.
In collaboration with the ‘Givechak’ platform and the ‘Shir Strategy’ firm, we launched a crowdfunding campaign to complete the sanctuary. Thanks to your overwhelming response, over 3 million NIS was raised! Every single shekel donated reflects your deep appreciation and respect for Yoni—a warrior, commander, friend, and a man who dedicated his life to the nation and the State.
With immense emotion and hearts full of gratitude, we wish to share a milestone that strengthens the profound unity of the Jewish people. We recently met to deliver the third and final installment of the raised funds, totaling 1,269,394 NIS. The meeting was attended by the village secretary, a community representative, and the CEO of the ‘Chibat HaAretz’ association, which has undertaken the responsibility of managing the remaining funds and working in full cooperation with the community to complete the synagogue.
This synagogue will be far more than a place of prayer. It will become a center for community, learning, and connection. With every prayer, every Torah lesson, and every blessing recited within its walls, the core values by which Yoni lived will continue to beat: love for the Jewish people, devotion, courage, and endless giving.
We thank each and every one of you who believed, donated, shared, and pushed this campaign forward. Together, we proved that memory transforms into action and that our unity creates greatness.
May the memory of Col. Yoni Steinberg, Hy”d, be blessed and cherished in our hearts forever.
Attached are photographs from the meeting.
