I was deeply moved by the 91 year-old former Israeli President Shimon Peres’ reflections, the first he made publicly after ending his term as president, as reported in YNET (July 30, 2014) after he visited wounded soldiers in the Soroka Medical Center in Be'er Sheva:
“This is one of the most emotional visits I've ever had. I think this is a true story of bravery. This was the war of an army against terrorists, but also a war of each soldier against men who have no respect for human lives, who are willing to murder. A war of brave men against men with no restraints, bastard men.
You did a job no army has done before,” Peres told one of the wounded soldiers. “You were operating in an area where every step could've landed on a landmine, and every building could've been booby-trapped. Normally, we'd read about people like you only in legends, in which people go in and out of hell. The difference between legend and reality is huge, and you are the reality that created a legend. You fought greatly; I don't think there were ever troops who faced such a test. There are no winners in this war, only rescuers and you saved the country.”
Pray for the peace of Jerusalem, for the safety of our people, for the well-being, courage and resilience of Israel’s soldiers and leaders.
May Lt. Hadar Goldin be returned to his family in life and peace.
Shabbat shalom!
