Yossinyu was born on March 21, 1948, in Haifa, the son of Holocaust survivors from Hungary and the brother of Aviva and the late Rami.
During his childhood, he lived in Kibbutz Ma’agan Michael and in Rehovot. After his parents divorced, he moved with his mother to Be’er Sheva. During his military service, Yossinyu joined Gar’in Miran of Hashomer Hatzair, enlisted in the Paratroopers Brigade and fought in the Yom Kippur War. He arrived in Nir Oz together with the members of the gar’in.
From his first marriage to the late Shifra Noy, who was also murdered on October 7, two daughters, Dorit and Efrat, were born. During his second marriage to the late Rachel, the couple adopted their son, Segev. After his second divorce, he met the late Vicky, his third wife. Together, they had two children, Maayan and the late Maoz, who was killed in a workplace accident just four months before Yossinyu’s murder.
Yossinyu is survived by five grandchildren: Libi, Lotan, Inbar, Ariel and Niv.
On the kibbutz, he worked in cattle farming, irrigation agriculture, the garage and as a truck driver at Nirlat. He knew the entire country inside and out. After meeting Vicky, he left the kibbutz and moved to the city. After their divorce, he returned to Nir Oz and worked as the community driver.
He took great joy in cooking for family and friends, especially the Hungarian dishes from his childhood, which held a special place in his heart. A devoted fan of Hapoel Be’er Sheva, he enjoyed classic Israeli films, including What a Gang, the movie that inspired his nickname. He also loved singing and listening to Hebrew music.
Yossinyu traveled the full length of the country with his children — from north to south. Every Friday, he made sure there was plenty of food for the soldiers stationed in the area. He took great pride in Independence Day and in being born in the year the State of Israel was established.
On October 7, Yossinyu and his life partner took refuge in the safe room. When terrorists invaded their home, Yossinyu charged at them and was shot at point-blank range. Despite his courageous efforts to protect her, his partner was also murdered.
Yossinyu was an incurable optimist — brave, honest and deeply principled. He strongly believed in love for the Land of Israel, compassion for others, unity within his family, sensitivity toward those around him and humility. Above all, he was a kibbutznik through and through.
Yossinyu was laid to rest in Moshav Ein HaBesor, alongside his father and younger brother.
He was 75 years old at the time of his death.
May Yossinyu’s memory be a blessing.
