A friend of mine, with whom I worked closely on my biography of Menachem Begin, wrote an extraordinary letter from the front. We reprint it with his permission.
Thanks for allowing us, civilians from abroad, to dare put ourselves in your shoes and feel, not experience, what you emotionally go through for two seconds.
Although I dearly and profoundly love Israel, I have always known I was too much of a coward to live there.
Your letter and what happened on October 7th confirm it. But it also gives me a clearer sense of the terror I would feel had I been in this tank at your place, which doesn't erase your fear.
Thank you for being there. I can't wait to see the end of this horrible war. You certainly do and deserve it more than anyone else.
Whatever it is worth from the comfort of my apartment in a “peaceful” country, I'm with you.
Thank you for sharing this! I could feel his feelings..and my fear of ever being in such a situation. Bravery personified with what humans usually go through..ups, downs, worries, fears...then still act for the good of others!
Know that somewhere far away in the comfort of our peaceful homes are hearts, our souls, and our compassion feels your words.
I often wonder if we could rise to the same level terror and have the same level of courage you and your team show every minute of everyday.
And when our country faces the same level of terror, that seems inevitable, I wonder who will stand and fight against the truly deprived soulless demons that have captured the weak found throughout our universities and our governmental institutions.
Stay strong, stay brave, and know our love surrounds you and your teammates in each step you take.
I, too, am stuck in October 7, 2023, even as I write this from my insulation in America. My heart cries out for those victims and their families as well as those tortured captives and fallen soldiers, those powerless to make this nightmare end, the courageous fighters, and even the politicians stuck between determination and decision. I pray for peace, and for solace, and for comfort, and for return, knowing it will never, ever be the same.
Thanks for allowing us, civilians from abroad, to dare put ourselves in your shoes and feel, not experience, what you emotionally go through for two seconds.
Although I dearly and profoundly love Israel, I have always known I was too much of a coward to live there.
Your letter and what happened on October 7th confirm it. But it also gives me a clearer sense of the terror I would feel had I been in this tank at your place, which doesn't erase your fear.
Thank you for being there. I can't wait to see the end of this horrible war. You certainly do and deserve it more than anyone else.
Whatever it is worth from the comfort of my apartment in a “peaceful” country, I'm with you.
Warm regards,
Claude Rothman (she/her)
What a brave soul. Thank you for sharing!
Please don’t stop writing. I want to continue to read this start of a fabulous non fiction book.
Ruth Moser Riemer
Thank you for sharing this! I could feel his feelings..and my fear of ever being in such a situation. Bravery personified with what humans usually go through..ups, downs, worries, fears...then still act for the good of others!
Know that somewhere far away in the comfort of our peaceful homes are hearts, our souls, and our compassion feels your words.
I often wonder if we could rise to the same level terror and have the same level of courage you and your team show every minute of everyday.
And when our country faces the same level of terror, that seems inevitable, I wonder who will stand and fight against the truly deprived soulless demons that have captured the weak found throughout our universities and our governmental institutions.
Stay strong, stay brave, and know our love surrounds you and your teammates in each step you take.
Wow. I'm a friend of Gabi's, too, and I posted the same letter. Small world. I hope he feels the force field of our prayers for his safety.
Thank you for sharing. I look forward to the day your diaries can be shared with all of us.
I, too, am stuck in October 7, 2023, even as I write this from my insulation in America. My heart cries out for those victims and their families as well as those tortured captives and fallen soldiers, those powerless to make this nightmare end, the courageous fighters, and even the politicians stuck between determination and decision. I pray for peace, and for solace, and for comfort, and for return, knowing it will never, ever be the same.
This was very beautiful. Thank you 🕊️
ושבו בנים לגבולם
Moshiach now!
Thank you for all the information you provide. I share a paid membership with my husband.
Thank you so much for sharing this. I will subscribe to his blog immediately. Another name added to my prayers. Love to tall.