The NJA Zoom Speaker Series held on January 20th featured Captain (res.) Ely Corney, a reservist in the Yahalom unit of the IDF, providing an intimate and sobering look at the realities of serving on the frontlines during wartime. This special event offered a raw and emotional account of Israel’s war against Hamas and Hezbollah, through the eyes of a dedicated soldier.
Ely, 29, shared his extraordinary journey since the events of October 7th, 2023, when he was called back from a holiday in Eilat to report for duty. He spoke of the profound challenges his unit faced, particularly as many, like him, had never experienced a full-scale war. Serving in both Gaza and Lebanon, Ely recounted the immense responsibility of leading 20 soldiers, all in their mid-twenties, as they navigated dangerous tunnels and combated terror threats.
One harrowing story stood out: on January 8th, 2024, while his team worked to destroy a Hamas tunnel, another Yahalom team suffered the tragic loss of four soldiers due to a mistaken detonation. The incident underscored the ever-present danger his unit faced and the sobering reality of serving in conflict zones.
Ely also shared personal struggles, including the bittersweet moment of learning his wife was pregnant while he was deployed and the emotional weight of balancing his duties as a soldier and a father-to-be. Even after his daughter’s birth, his commitment to his country led him to forego a family trip to Greece to respond to duty in Lebanon, demonstrating the extraordinary sacrifices made by IDF soldiers.
He described the extensive weapon caches found in Lebanon, hidden in civilian homes and remote locations, highlighting the scope of the threats Israel faces.
Steve Winston, NJA Managing Director, noted, “Ely’s courage and dedication resonate deeply with us all. His story is a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made to ensure Israel’s security.”
The NJA thanks Ely for sharing his experiences and for his ongoing service to Israel. Events like this underscore the critical importance of supporting Israel and its brave soldiers.
