Fallen Soldier's Father Shares Son's Message of Unity Amidst Division

Ilan Dickstein, father of the late Second Lieutenant Evri Dickstein who fell in southern Lebanon, described the constant longing his family experiences since his son's death. He shared a letter Evri wrote as a young soldier during the intense national debate over the judicial reform, a message that now carries profound significance for the family. Dickstein views his personal grief as part of a larger national wound, but also sees potential for national healing and growth.

Dickstein, who previously worked in the military and security sectors and was familiar with bereavement, found his own experience of loss to be deeply personal and all-encompassing. He spoke of a continuing sense of responsibility to live in a way that honors Evri's memory, emphasizing his son's legacy of strength, heroism, and especially unity.

The letter from Evri, written during a period of sharp public division over the judicial reform, urged reconciliation. "Brothers, many," Evri wrote, acknowledging the right to disagree and hold firm to one's positions, but stressing the importance of remembering and embracing one another, concluding, "we have no other country."

This message of unity is what Ilan Dickstein wishes to carry forward into Israel's post-war reality. He does not seek to erase disagreements but to remind people of the shared bond beneath the debates. Evri's widow, Miriam, is also honored for carrying his memory with pride and dignity.

Dickstein also spoke of Evri as representative of an entire generation, calling them "a wonderful generation." He believes that looking deeply at this generation reveals Israel's future, which he sees as moving towards better places despite potential hardships.