About the Yad Elkana organization
Continuing the Dream of an Israeli Hero
The story of the Yad Elkana Foundation is the story of Elkana Yehuda Sfez הי״ד.
Before he was a hero of Israel and a fighter in the Givati Brigade, Elkana was a man who redefined the meaning of generosity, humility, and love for others.
Anyone who knew him could tell, his hand was always extended, his heart always open, and his smile always comforting. He believed deeply in the power of human connection and in the simple joy we can offer another person.
In his heart, alongside his love for the land and his family, there beat one great dream: to bring joy to people. He dreamed of creating a food truck, traveling across the country, spreading happiness through flavors and human connection.
Elkana didn’t just dream of serving food, he dreamed of offering a feeling of home, of an open heart and pure giving, serving a hot meal that felt like a hug.
On 12 Shevat 5784 (January 22, 2024), during a mission to protect the communities bordering Gaza, Elkana’s dream came to a halt. In a military operation in the center of the Gaza Strip, Elkana fell together with 20 other soldiers, in the tragic building collapse.
They were there to ensure that our homes would never again be threatened. In a single moment, a great light of giving was extinguished. Yet, from within the darkness and unimaginable pain, his mission came to life.
His family and friends, heartbroken yet filled with purpose, decided that Elkana’s dream would not fall with him. Rising from the shiv’a with determination, they vowed to continue his path — a path of love, generosity, and joy. This is how the Yad Elkana Foundation was born.
The Story Behind the Name “Yad Elkana”
The name of the organization carries the entire story within it.
The word “Yad”, whose numerical value in Gematria is 14, corresponds to the number of soldiers from Elkana’s close team who fell with him in that tragic event.
At the same time, the name reflects the very essence of Elkana: a hand always extended, to help, embrace, encourage, and give pure kindness to every person.
Fulfilling the Dream: The Food Truck
Our first and central mission is to fulfill his dream. We purchased and operate a food truck that provides IDF soldiers with free hot meals and a variety of treats. The food truck is not just a place that distributes food — it is a place that gives soldiers a sense of home, warmth, and human embrace in the heart of the field. Its starting point is a memorial park established in his honor in Kiryat Arba, thanks to volunteers and donors.
Looking Ahead: Expanding Elkana’s Legacy
Additional Food Trucks
Operate more food trucks to reach every soldier, in every sector and wherever they are.
A Warm Home for Soldiers
Create support centers and welcoming homes for lone soldiers.
Spiritual Commemoration
Write an ornate Torah scroll in his memory and establish a study center (Kollel) in his honor.
Our partners
The Yad Elkana Foundation is our response to loss, and we invite you to join us in turning memory into a living mission of unconditional love, for the sake of our beloved soldiers.
Join Our Mission
Your donation enables us to continue strengthening the soldiers, bringing them moments of joy, and supporting them wherever they need us. Every shekel makes a real difference on the ground.