Four Israeli Heroes Reflect on Courage, Fear, and Duty

Four decorated Israeli military veterans, including recipients of the nation's highest honors, shared their experiences of bravery and fear in combat, reflecting on how these concepts have evolved, particularly after the October 7th attacks and the ongoing "Swords of Iron" war. The veterans, Lieutenant Colonel (res.) Hanoch Daube, Major General (res.) Moshe Levi, Major General (res.) Gadi Rafan, and Lieutenant Colonel (res.) Moshe Kravitz, discussed their most harrowing moments and the profound sense of responsibility they felt towards their soldiers.

Lieutenant Colonel (res.) Hanoch Daube, who received the Medal of Courage for his actions in Lebanon, recounted his experience leading soldiers in Gaza on November 2nd, 2023, after his commander, Lieutenant Colonel Salman Habaka, was killed. Daube described the intense fear but emphasized that it did not control him, stating, "A hero is not one who speaks in a baritone voice at press conferences; a hero is one who overcomes fear." He also reflected on the loss of his close friend, Lieutenant Colonel Yitzhak Ben Basht, in Gaza, and the lingering self-doubt about whether he could have done more.

Major General (res.) Moshe Levi, a recipient of the Medal of Valor for his actions in the Yom Kippur War, described losing an arm while fighting Egyptian commandos. Despite his severe injury and the loss of soldiers, he single-handedly neutralized an Egyptian position with a grenade, enabling the survival of his remaining men. Levi stressed that in combat, "the most important thing is your guys, your soldiers," and that personal safety becomes secondary to the mission and the well-being of his troops.

Major General (res.) Gadi Rafan, who also received the Medal of Valor after the Six-Day War, recounted taking command of his tank company after his commander was wounded. His tank was hit, resulting in the loss of his hand and severe burns, but he organized the surviving soldiers from multiple damaged tanks until they could be evacuated. Rafan, now 81, remains active and critical of the current government, calling former soldier Elor Azaria a "criminal, not a hero."

Lieutenant Colonel (res.) Moshe Kravitz, who earned the Medal of Courage in the First Lebanon War, highlighted the importance of cohesion and mutual responsibility within his unit, which comprised soldiers from diverse backgrounds. He recalled a fierce battle against Syrian commandos where, despite heavy losses and damage to his own tank, he continued to advance. Kravitz stated that while fear is natural, "The sense of responsibility and commitment is immense," and that the true measure of heroism lies in acting despite that fear.