The war with Gaza has hit close to home

Staff Sergeant Yona Betzalel Brief, 23, died on Nov. 26, 2024, as a result of wounds he sustained on Oct. 7, 2023, near the Gaza border. Brief was the nephew of Lake Mary residents Dr. Bruce and Debra Hoffen and cousin of Sara and Frances Hoffen.

Brief was 23 and the youngest son (of six children) of Hazel and David Brief, who have lived in Modi'in, Israel for 30 years. David is the brother of Debra Hoffen.

Yona, a combat medic in the elite Duvdevan unit, died at Sheba Hospital in Tel Hashomer where he was hospitalized for 417 days before he died.

"He's a symbol of Israel," said Debra. "He ser...