Israeli Officer Names Son After Fallen Commander to Honor His Memory

A fourth son born to Lieutenant Colonel L., an Armored Corps officer, and his wife Daphna was named Ahia, a name that echoes that of Colonel Ahsan Deksa, the commander of the 401st Brigade who was killed in Gaza two years ago. Lt. Col. L. knew Deksa well in the months leading up to his death, serving as the operations officer for the 401st Brigade, working closely with the commander. Deksa was appointed commander of the 401st Brigade in April 2024, and Lt. Col. L. accompanied him during his assumption of command and during intense fighting in Gaza. "When Ahsan was killed, both Daphna and I felt that our commander had been killed," Lt. Col. L. recounted. He described their shared military service and the demands it places on their home life. Lt. Col. L. noted that Deksa had been instrumental in pushing for his promotion to battalion commander. After Deksa's death, Lt. Col. L. briefly returned to the brigade to assist the new commander before being appointed commander of the 9th Battalion, which he led in combat.

Lt. Col. L. highlighted Deksa's unique blend of operational determination and sensitivity to his soldiers' well-being. He recalled Deksa's leadership in Rafah during a difficult period, when soldiers were exhausted and saw no end in sight. "One of the biggest lessons I learned from him was that he was incredibly determined to accomplish the mission and exceed expectations, while also being incredibly sensitive to people," he said. Deksa was adept at recognizing when a soldier needed rest and when they could be pushed further. He also made a point of discussing soldiers' families and the personal cost of war with his commanders, even organizing a gathering for commanders and their spouses to emphasize the importance of family support.

Deksa's attention to detail was likened to that of an investigator, meticulously examining the field. He was also a family man, often speaking of his wife and children. Lt. Col. L. stated that a commander's example naturally influences their subordinates. Deksa, he said, was both a courageous, forward-leading commander and someone whose heart remained with his family. For the year and a half Lt. Col. L. commanded the 9th Battalion after Deksa's death, his predecessor's influence remained strong. "We often talked about him and his character at home, and I tried to learn from the lessons he taught us," Lt. Col. L. said. When Ahia was born, he proposed the name to Daphna, who readily agreed. The choice of name also reflects the qualities they wish to instill in their son: heroism, sensitivity, intelligence, and kindness.

Lt. Col. L., who is religious Zionist, and Deksa, who was Druze, shared a profound bond forged in combat. "There are things that someone who hasn't fought with us cannot understand," Lt. Col. L. explained. "When you fight with someone, when they risked their life with you shoulder to shoulder, everything between you becomes transparent." The naming ceremony took place on the Hebrew anniversary of Deksa's death. Lt. Col. L. later spoke with Huda, Deksa's widow, who was deeply moved. He expressed a desire to visit her with their new son, hoping the name brings some comfort to Deksa's family and ensures his memory continues.