Yadin Gellman Credits Newborn Son with Saving His Life After October 7th Injuries

Actor and model Yadin Gellman, husband of journalist Adva Dadon, shared in a Channel 13 interview that the birth of their son, Yonatan, was the happiest moment of his life and a crucial factor in his recovery from severe injuries sustained during the October 7th Hamas attack. Gellman, who was part of a Sayeret Matkal unit involved in rescuing residents and hostages from Kibbutz Be'eri and Kfar Aza, was critically wounded in his arm, chest, and shoulder. He described how the impending fatherhood, even before Yonatan's birth, served as his lifeline during the most difficult times. "The moment of birth was truly... as if this is what I wanted so much in my most difficult moment, this is what kept me alive," Gellman stated, adding that his son, even as an idea, gave him the strength to live. Gellman and Dadon began their relationship in 2023, became engaged in early 2024, and welcomed Yonatan in August. Dadon has a daughter from her previous marriage to Channel 12 journalist Gilaad Shalamar.

Earlier in May, Gellman sparked public debate after revealing in an interview that he strictly limits his infant son's intake of processed sugar and chocolate, preparing a balanced diet of eggs, cheese, and avocado instead. Many social media users criticized this approach, suggesting it could foster unhealthy relationships with food. Gellman defended his decision, explaining that his son, Yonatan, at his young age, doesn't know what he's missing and that he aims to provide him with only healthy food to prevent potential harm to brain development, citing research suggesting negative impacts of sugar and processed foods on the brain before age 3. He expressed confidence that his son will thank him later.

Gellman concluded by stating his aspiration for his son to serve in a combat unit in the IDF at age 18, emphasizing that his son "will be a combat soldier, he has no choice. He will go to serve our country as best as he can."