Fallen Soldier's Father Shares Grief, Anger, and Last Memories

Avi Harush, father of Sgt. Reef Harush, who fell in Gaza, has spoken about the profound pain and complex emotions following his son's death in April 2024. In an interview with Channel 7, Harush described finding his son's notebooks and shared the agonizing moment he asked the officers delivering the news to wait outside his home. He expressed a deep anger, not at his son's bravery, but at the circumstances that led to his death, stating, "I prefer him alive next to me than a buried hero." Sgt. Reef Harush, 20, was a trainee in the Commando School and fell in battle in southern Gaza. Avi Harush revealed that his son, despite his love for the country and military service, was open about his fears, even before entering Gaza. He recalled a video Reef sent his parents four days before his death, reassuring them, "Don't worry, everything is fine." Tragically, he fell only about 400 meters from where the video was filmed.

Harush shared intimate memories, including a premonition he had about his son's death while driving just days before. He also recounted Reef's last conversation with him, where the young soldier gave his father his bank account details and password, an unusual act for him. After Reef's death, his family discovered numerous notebooks filled with his writing, detailing his thoughts on family, life, and personal growth. One poignant entry read, "There is no substitute for continuity." These writings offered his father a deeper understanding of his son's inner world and his desire to live life to the fullest.

Avi Harush has channeled his grief into public advocacy, promoting a "continuity law" and hosting a podcast on male bereavement, aiming to give a voice to fathers, grandfathers, and brothers of fallen soldiers. He interviewed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu about the loss of his brother Yoni, drawing parallels to his own experience of delivering the news of his son's death. Harush also co-hosted the state memorial ceremony, seeing it as a privilege to honor Reef and other fallen soldiers. He believes the current generation of young fighters, often stereotyped as "TikTok generation," are the ones who "saved the State of Israel," emphasizing their volunteerism, friendship, and love for the country and its people.

Despite the immense pain and longing, Harush and his family are choosing to live. He finds solace in his podcast, meetings with soldiers, and honoring the fallen. He acknowledges the deep, all-consuming "longing" he feels, stating, "I didn't think it was possible to miss someone so much, or with such intensity. It devours."