Sunday, July 20, 2014

I lost 15 relatives today

Hello readers,
Im sad because when I woke up today I found out 15 relatives of mine died.
No, not really my relatives, you have to be Israeli to understand this kind of grief, but I will do my best to explain.

Israel and the Israelis are different kind of people, different values order, different mentality.
See, despite our differences and disagreements we are grown to see each other as brothers in spite of everyyhing, the most used word in Hebrew is "Achi" literally "my brother".
In our mandatory service we feel this bond stronger than ever. It is said that the IDF is the fusion point of Israeli society. You meet different people you never thought you will, you make strong bonds with them. What you share with them us the symbols and experiences you go together.
Moreover, soldiers in Israeli culture are viewd as either your brothers and sisters your sons and daughters. Even if you never met them. They are respected for their hardwork and sacrifices. 
Today I woke up to the deaths of 2LT. Bar Rahav and SGT. Benaya Roval.
Later or on rummors spread about 13 soldiers from the Golani brigade that died. Around 06:30 pm Israel time it was officially published. Their names were not published but my friends knew 2 of them.
Golani brigade commander Colonel Rasan Aliyan (he is Druze btw) was injured in action and hospitalized but demands to return to his soldiers, his children ASAP.
Golani itself is the oldest infantry brigade in the IDF. Their symbol is the olive tree. The loss of 13 soldiers from same brigade especially this brigade felt like a bullet to the heart to many citizens.
So far 18 soldiers died in Gaza.
I know you cant understand why and how this is so painful, like losing your family but I hope I gave you a glimpse.

Dov Trachtman - The Man in Fort

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