In the Krasniansky family’s sukkah there is a pleasant family atmosphere. Yaakov Shlomo, the youngest son, came to celebrate the holiday at his parents' house in Jerusalem. "My sweet Yanki! My beloved Yankele," Mother Zvia laughs at him as usual, pinching his cheeks which are no longer as chubby as they used to be. Although her son is already a tall, impressive soldier, to her he will always remain her sweet, little one. Yaakov looks at his mother and says: "Cut it out, Mum, enough. I'm not a baby anymore." Only a few days later, his mother will realize that he was right.
יYaakov left the ultra-orthodox yeshiva where he studied and joined the ranks of the police in a special Border Police unit. As with everything, Yanki excelled in this position as well. He became a tough combatant with a sensitive heart, who was always there for his fellow fighters and cared for them like a father
On the morning of Simchat Torah, October 7th, terrorists infiltrated Kibbutz Nahal Oz. When Yaakov realized he was in the midst of an emergency, he calmly took command, split his team in two and went out first to fight the terrorists. At the same time, residents of the kibbutz hid in their safe rooms. Yanki and his team eliminated terrorist after terrorist. For many long hours they defended the kibbutz residents, refusing to stop before everyone was protected. Towards noon, Yanki was shot and killed, but surrounding him were dozens of terrorists that he managed to kill before his death.
When the IDF forces took over the kibbutz, it became clear beyond a shadow of a doubt that Yanki's resourcefulness and the composure with which he operated saved dozens of people, including entire families.
Amir Tivon, reporter for the secular newspaper 'Haaretz,' came to console the family members during the shiva period. He wanted to thank Yanki's father and mother for raising a noble son, who when push came to shove gave his life for the people of Israel. Thanks to Yanki’s quick, professional response, Tivon and his daughters, who spent many hours in a safe room, were also saved.
The story of the emotional meeting between the ultra-Orthodox mother and the secular reporter was published throughout the country, and conveyed to all of us the legacy of Yaakov Shlomo's life and death: we are a nation of brothers
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