Opinion
Live in the spirit of October 8, not the sorrow of October 7
An IDF soldier who was seriously injured in Gaza says Israeli society has ‘become a unified and powerful force’
September 25, 2024 09:50
2 min read
An IDF soldier who was seriously injured in Gaza says Israeli society has ‘become a unified and powerful force’
September 25, 2024 09:50On October 7, Israel awoke to what could be called its second War of Independence. Hamas attacked towns and military bases, kidnapping 250 men, women, and children, and murdering 1,200 civilians.
On that day, the country was dealt a severe and painful blow that threatened to fracture what remained of Israeli society, already strained by numerous internal conflicts, four election cycles, and a judicial reform that ignited widespread protests on both sides of the political spectrum. Our enemies knew precisely when to strike: at a moment when Israeli society was divided, fragmented, and deeply entrenched in internal disputes.
Hamas believed it could deliver a decisive blow. Militarily, there is no doubt that Hamas understood that despite the element of surprise, the IDF would prevail and regroup. However, they were confident that their attack would ignite such intense internal discord and accusations that the ensuing divisions would escalate, ultimately dismantling the state’s governance and tearing Israeli society apart.
What unfolded on October 8 was the exact opposite. Instead of fracturing, Israeli society became a unified and powerful force. The mobilisation rate for reserve units averaged 180 per cent, with some units asking soldiers not to report due to overwhelming numbers.
Within 36 hours, the IDF managed to mobilise 300,000 soldiers to service (including myself). By comparison, Russia attempted to mobilise 300,000 soldiers over three months.
As impressive as this rapid mobilisation sounds, what truly moved me was what I saw after I was seriously injured by Hamas terrorists on March 31 of this year.
From the very first day of my injury and for more than 90 days that followed, Israeli society enveloped me in support. Young volunteers came to bring joy and sang songs; Haredim from Beitar Illit distributed sweets and toys; business owners filled the department with the best delicacies and treats; good people from all over the world, from Australia to Los Angeles, came to say thank you and offer strength.
There was even a righteous 70-year-old Jew who took public transportation every week from Givat Ze’ev to Soroka just to recite a chapter of Psalms to each wounded soldier and bless them with a full recovery.
Research shows that over 70 per cent of those who did not enlist were engaged in volunteer work, supporting soldiers, assisting displaced families, and organizing donations. Restaurants pampered soldiers with the best and most expensive food available. Every town and city set up operations centers to meet the needs of soldiers, from weapon supplies to socks, underwear, and lavish Shabbat meals.
Business owners donated equipment worth hundreds of thousands of shekels to anyone in need without complaining about missing employees, providing only support and care.
Children from all over the world drew pictures and prepared care packages for IDF soldiers and residents of the Gaza envelope. Elders knitted scarves for soldiers, volunteered in agricultural fields, and did laundry for them.
In my brigade, 75-year-old volunteers drove trucks. Delegations from around the world visited wounded soldiers in hospitals across the country. Teenagers repaired and cleaned for people they had never met.
Citizens opened their homes and shared their possessions with soldiers they didn’t know. And all of this wasn’t a one-time or daily activity; it continued daily for ten months.
These incredible strengths are what make us unique as a people. They are what make our enemies fear us, knowing that despite all the technology, advancements, and the high-quality military we possess, our most powerful weapon is the unity between us. This is what frightens them the most.
Hassan Nasrallah’s “spider web” speech was not about military tactics but about the state of Israeli society. Soldiers returning from the battlefield testified that their incredible fighting spirit stemmed from the astounding unity they saw in our society, giving them the strength to continue day after day. Therefore, my call is this: despite the pain and sorrow, live in the spirit of October 8, not October 7.