Father of Fallen Soldier Calls for National Unity Amidst Grief and Division

As Israel navigates the post-Simchat Torah holiday period, a father whose son was killed in Gaza is urging national unity, drawing parallels between the Jewish tradition of the Four Species and the current societal divisions. Yaakov Nitzan, whose son Gilad fell in Gaza about a month after the October 7th massacre, wrote that the tradition of binding the Four Species together symbolizes the need for all segments of Israeli society to unite, even those perceived as less observant, like the willow (arava) which has neither taste nor smell.

Nitzan uses the traditional interpretation of the Four Species to highlight the current societal fragmentation, noting that while the willow is essential for the ritual, Israelis often criticize and attack those they deem inferior. He argues that this internal conflict is self-destructive and detrimental to the nation's future. He emphasizes that the memory of the fallen, including his son Gilad, is not just a private grief for families but a collective responsibility for all Israelis.

Gilad Nitzan, who grew up in the settlement of Shilo, was killed in combat in Gaza after sustaining an injury earlier in the fighting. His father described him as the heart of the family, a determined soldier who continued to fight despite his injury and found solace in studying Torah during breaks. Yaakov Nitzan shared a poignant photo of himself with his four sons in a sukkah just days before the attack, reflecting on the missing piece in his family's unity.

In his public message, Nitzan appeals to the nation to acknowledge the pain of bereaved families and the void left by their loved ones, particularly during the holidays. He stresses that the memory of the fallen imposes a responsibility to avoid hatred and division. He implores Israelis not to allow anyone to dismantle the larger unity of the nation, especially in the current election season, urging a national soul-searching rather than political score-settling.

Nitzan's message comes amidst reports of ongoing disputes between bereaved families and public criticism on social media regarding the failures that led to the October 7th attack. He advocates for prioritizing the well-being of the entire nation and listening to the pain of those who live with a permanent emptiness, emphasizing that if Israelis do not learn from their experiences and continue to hate and divide, they have learned nothing.