Combatant Recounts Harrowing Oct. 7th Battles, Including 20 Hours in Kibbutz Be'eri

Dvir Solomon, partner of Lia Nagah, has shared a moving account of his experiences during the October 7th attacks, detailing his combat actions and the loss of friends. Solomon, a former Yamam and LOTAR combatant, was alerted by sirens at 6:30 AM and quickly recognized the severity of the situation. Despite not being on active reserve duty, he felt compelled to act, contacting his team commander, the late Roi Negri, gathering equipment, and driving south alone.

His journey south was marked by the news of the death of his close friend from Yamam, Bar Sivon. Solomon described Sivon as someone he deeply admired and aspired to be like. He suppressed his grief, vowing to mourn after the fighting concluded. Upon reaching the Gaza border area, he witnessed the horrific scenes at the Re'im junction and the "death road," where he joined forces with the late Eli Ginsberg, a reserve LOTAR platoon commander, and fought alongside him until Ginsberg's death.

Solomon then moved to Kibbutz Be'eri, where he engaged in intense combat for approximately 20 consecutive hours, describing it as "20 hours straight inside the inferno." During his time in Be'eri, he recounted rescuing five children from a burning home, where the eldest, a 15-year-old, was armed to protect his younger siblings. He also described opening a safe room to find an elderly, helpless couple. Solomon's older brother also entered the kibbutz to rescue families and later led a force that extracted Solomon from a difficult engagement where Shagi Golan and Eli Ginsberg fell.

After three days of continuous fighting, lack of sleep, and missions, Solomon allowed himself time to grieve. He reflected on the positive memories and values left by his fallen comrades. He expressed gratitude for having met them and a commitment to self-improvement inspired by their example. Solomon urged the public to visit cemeteries, support bereaved families, and ensure the fallen are never forgotten.