Healing sanctuary planned in memory of British IDF hero

She told attendees that Benji – a former student at Nancy Reuben Primary School in Hendon, north-west London, who moved to Israel aged eight – was a young man whose “kindness extended to everyone”.

“Our brother was an accomplished athlete and earned number two [in Israel] of his age group in mixed martial arts, and he also loved to party.

“He was always the life and soul,” she said, adding: “But as much as Benji knew how to have fun, he was also incredibly mature, responsible, nuanced and humble.

“He would go to a shiur with the rabbi and then go out partying.

“He was a people’s person, and his kindness extended to everyone.” After the Hamas attack on October 7, Benji was sent into Gaza.

“He was sent on this special mission there because they wanted him to do a commander’s course, and the real-life combat experience would stand him in good stead,” Yael reflected, sharing that she told Benji she loved him in their last messages.

Now, the family are seeking to raise more funds to enhance the offerings at the sanctuary.

She said: “At the lookout, there will be activities of volunteer days and educational programmes, all inspired by Benji’s spirit. At the same time, it will also be a space for the soul, a space of peace and healing, [with] gatherings, therapies and workshops – a place to pause from daily life and to be with friends and family, to breathe the view and to feel Benji’s presence.” In a video post, his father, Amnon Needham, said the objective was “to help distressed and bereaved people by offering a range of physical and mental therapies in a private and beautiful setting”.

Sharing a link to the fundraising page, retired British Army officer Colonel Richard Kemp – an outspoken Israel advocate – encouraged people to support the campaign. “Benji’s Point of Light is a living and breathing memorial,” he wrote on X.

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To donate to Benji’s Point of Light, go to: charidy.com/b2i/101 or click here