Reserve Major Saadia Yaakov Deri, a 27-year-old, was deeply involved in his studies for rabbinical certification and had recently embarked on a bachelor's degree in teaching. Tragically, Deri, along with Omer Samadja, fell in an incident during their service as reserve fighters recruited on Simchat Torah. The incident also resulted in injuries to a guest. Deri's last photo, taken in Gaza, shows him in morning prayer, wrapped in a tallit and tefillin, standing in a partially completed brick building.
Deri leaves behind a grieving family, including five siblings, his parents Leli and Haim Deri, his wife Racheli, and their two children, Hillel and Vinon. His parents are prominent figures in the Ali settlement, with Leli being a member of the Benjamin Council plenum and a public activist. His mother Leli described Saadia as a selfless individual who always put others' needs before his own. He was a dedicated student, a loving father, and a hero who never complained. Saadia’s mother emphasized that he fought for his nation, the Torah, and the land, and she vowed to ensure his sacrifice was not in vain.
The head of the Binyamin Regional Council, Israel Gantz, echoed these sentiments, describing Saadia as a man of many virtues—a father, a warrior, and a family man. Gantz highlighted the profound loss felt by the community and mentioned Leli's proactive efforts to support bereaved families, even as she coped with her own loss.
The context of Saadia's service and the broader situation in Gaza highlights the severe humanitarian crisis in the region. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs has reported that families in southern Gaza are struggling to access basic necessities like food and water. Many families are surviving on one meal every two or three days and are forced to share food and ration supplies. Temporary shelters are overcrowded and lack basic protection from extreme heat, and there is a dire need for repairs.
Access restrictions have severely hindered the delivery of essential humanitarian aid, exacerbating the crisis. The United Nations assessment found that hundreds of thousands of displaced people in southern Gaza face poor access to shelter, healthcare, food, water, and sanitation. The scarcity of water forces people to queue for long hours and rely on seawater for domestic use. The spread of infectious diseases is rampant due to overflowing sewage, the proliferation of insects and rodents, and the lack of hygiene materials.
Since October 7, 2023, the conflict has resulted in devastating consequences, with nearly 123,000 Palestinians dead or wounded, and more than 10,000 missing. The humanitarian crisis has reached critical levels, particularly in northern Gaza. Despite two UN Security Council resolutions and orders from the International Court of Justice to cease hostilities and improve conditions, the conflict continues unabated.
- Saadia Yaakov Deri's dedication to his studies and his commitment to his family and nation made him a remarkable individual. His tragic death is a profound loss to his community, and his legacy is one of selflessness and courage.
- The humanitarian crisis in Gaza is a stark reminder of the urgent need for international intervention and support. The severe shortages of food, water, and medical supplies are putting countless lives at risk, and the ongoing conflict is exacerbating the suffering of the Palestinian people.
- Efforts to provide humanitarian aid are being hampered by access restrictions, making it crucial for the international community to find ways to deliver essential supplies and support to those in need. The situation in Gaza requires immediate attention to prevent further loss of life and to address the dire living conditions faced by displaced families.
