Soldier Injured in Terror Attack Writes Moving Post About Service

Neria Leitersdorf, a reservist who has served hundreds of days since October 7, was seriously injured in a vehicular terror attack near the Blim checkpoint. Leitersdorf's brother, Major (Res.) Moshe Yedidya Leitersdorf, was killed in combat in the Gaza Strip.

In May, after completing another reserve duty, Leitersdorf shared a personal and emotional post detailing his decision to return to service despite his family's profound loss and the sense of mission he felt with his comrades. He described his recent two-and-a-half-month reserve duty, which began with a call-up for an operation in Iran, as a period where life became a continuous stream of missions and dedicated people.

Leitersdorf reflected on personal responsibility, stating, "The real question is not what everyone else needs to do, but what I need to do. What is within my control. Am I part of it or not. Am I getting on the train or watching it go by." He acknowledged the immense difficulty of returning to service as a bereaved brother, admitting, "Something in my heart truly tore. But I couldn't stand by while my friends were doing another round and another round. I didn't really have an internal option to stay home."

Despite the challenges, Leitersdorf expressed feeling "an immense privilege" to continue serving. He recounted two weeks in Lebanon marked by constant activity, lack of showers, and exhaustion, noting, "At 38, the body already reminds you that you are no longer 20. But being there with these friends is worth everything." He described his diverse reserve unit as a group of good people who serve without complaint.

Reflecting on Hezbollah's entrenchment in southern Lebanese villages, he drew parallels to the October 7th attacks, stating, "We understood up close why we are there. So that people here can simply live in security." Leitersdorf also highlighted the crucial role of families, particularly wives, in supporting reservists, writing, "In the end, as always, those who truly carry this story on their backs are the women. My amazing wife and our sweet children allowed me to do this. Although the price is high, without my wife it really wouldn't have happened."

He concluded his post with a quote from a friend, "A fool is one who stands aside and doesn't take part," adding, "With all the difficulty, the fatigue, and the price, it is a huge privilege to be part of the generation that is living through this period and not just reading about it later. A privilege to be part of a legendary group of good people. A privilege to be in this company and this team. A privilege to protect the home." He vowed to return to being a better citizen, husband, and father until the next call-up, "Because we have no other country."

Neria is the son of Hani and Yechiel Leitersdorf from the settlement of Eli. His father, Yechiel, serves as Israel's ambassador to the United States. Following his serious injury, the family requested prayers for his recovery.