My thoughts drift back to the chaos and carnage of Gaza. The smell of gunpowder still lingers in my nostrils, and the sound of gunfire echoes in my ears. But it’s not fear that grips me – it’s an overwhelming sense of duty and concern for my fellow soldiers still out there, fighting the good fight.
The Call to Arms
Let me take you back to where it all began. I’m a 39-year-old father of five, working in a high-tech company. But when duty calls, I trade my keyboard for a rifle and serve as a reservist in the Israeli military. It’s not an easy decision to leave my family and job behind, but when your country needs you, you answer that call without hesitation.
Into the Heart of Darkness
Our mission took us deep into Gaza, first to the Qatari neighborhood, then to the refugee camps in Kanun. We were there to neutralize threats and protect our homeland. Little did I know that one fateful day in February would change everything.
A Dance with Death
Picture this: I’m giving a briefing to my soldiers, stepping out of a house, and suddenly – boom! An RPG rocket appears right in front of me, its fiery tail blazing. Time seemed to stand still as I thought, “This is it. This is the end.” But somehow, miraculously, I survived the initial blast.
The Battle Within
Injured but alive, I found myself caught in a hail of bullets. My military training kicked in, and I started crawling between two vehicles, desperately seeking cover. The pain was excruciating, but the fear of another rocket attack kept me moving.
A Divine Intervention?
In my darkest moment, something extraordinary happened. I felt a touch on my shoulder and heard a voice saying, “Wake up, it’s not your time.” Was it God? An angel? I’ll never know for sure, but it gave me the strength to keep fighting.
The Rescuer Becomes the Rescued
As I crawled towards a nearby house, my own soldiers nearly mistook me for the enemy. Can you imagine? There I was, shouting a complicated Hebrew word to prove I wasn’t a terrorist. Talk about a tense moment!
Above and Beyond the Call of Duty
Despite my injuries, I couldn’t abandon my mission. When I saw my wounded comrade lying on the ground, I knew I had to act. Against all odds and ignoring the pain, I ran out to rescue him. Sadly, Nadav didn’t make it, but I like to think I gave him a fighting chance.
The Unbreakable Bond
People often ask me where this courage comes from. It’s simple, really. My soldiers are like my children. Even now, as I recover in the hospital, my heart is with them in Gaza. It’s a bond forged in the fires of combat, stronger than any family tie.
The Mission That Drives Us
Our mission is clear: to protect Israel and ensure that the horrors of October 7th never happen again. It’s a heavy burden, but one we gladly bear. We’re willing to sacrifice our lives, our bodies, and even our souls for this cause.
The Unexpected Beauty of War
Here’s something you might not expect to hear: being in Gaza is, in a strange way, amazing. I know it sounds crazy, but hear me out. In Gaza, all the petty divisions disappear. There’s no left or right, no political squabbles. We’re united in purpose, surrounded by heroes aged 19 to 25 who are willing to lay down their lives for people they’ve never even met.
A Call to Remember
As I wrap up my story, I want you to remember one thing: behind every soldier is a person with hopes, dreams, and a family waiting for them to come home. We’re not just fighting a war; we’re fighting for a future where our children can live in peace.
So the next time you hear about the conflict in Gaza, think of us – the fathers, sons, and brothers who put everything on the line for what we believe in. Because in the end, that’s what being a soldier is all about.
