Officer Recounts Harrowing Experiences Since October 7th Hamas Attack
Translated & summarized from Arutz Sheva by baba
Reserve officer Major Y described his experiences since the October 7th Hamas attack, including being told to defend his community instead of reporting for duty. He believes this decision saved his life. His unit participated in operations in the Gaza envelope and the ground maneuver in Gaza, where he observed extensive weaponry in civilian areas. Major Y highlighted the contrasting values-based education of Israeli reservists and the IDF's improved operational methods.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Major Y believes a rabbi's order to defend his community saved his life on October 7th.
- He helped organize Shav'i Darom's defense and later joined reserve operations in Gaza.
- His unit found extensive weaponry in Gaza's civilian structures, including schools.
- Major Y contrasted Gaza's perceived hate-filled education with Israeli soldiers' values.
- He noted significant improvements in IDF operational methods and force protection during the war.
A reserve officer, identified as Major Y, shared his experiences since the October 7th Hamas attack in an interview with Arutz 7. Major Y was scheduled to be discharged from the IDF on October 8th after 12 years of service, but the events of the previous day drastically altered his plans. He was called by the Gaza Division due to an impending raid, but the local rabbi instructed him to stay and defend his community in Shav'i Darom. Major Y believes this decision saved his life, as he later learned that the routes he would have taken were compromised by terrorists.
As head of the local emergency team, Major Y helped organize the defense of Shav'i Darom, instructing residents to shelter and coordinating armed individuals. The community had to form an emergency response team on the fly. Later that day, he was ordered to mobilize his reserve company, which subsequently engaged in operations in the Gaza envelope, including searching for terrorists and assisting ZAKA teams in recovering bodies from massacre sites.
Major Y's company later participated in the ground maneuver in Gaza, entering Beit Hanoun. He described finding extensive weaponry and ammunition within civilian structures, including homes, schools, and kindergartens. He contrasted this with the education he believes Israeli soldiers receive, emphasizing values of contribution to the nation, which he sees as the driving force behind reservists' continued willingness to serve despite personal sacrifices. His unit has already completed seven reserve duty cycles and is awaiting orders for another.
Reflecting on the fighting, Major Y noted significant improvements in IDF operational methods and force protection since the war's outset. He also spoke about missions in Lebanon and Judea and Samaria. He concluded by linking the hatred and terror witnessed in Gaza, exemplified by military imagery in kindergartens, with the values-based education that motivates Israeli soldiers.
Mentioned
The same event, reported separately by each outlet. Open a few to compare what different newsrooms emphasize — and what they leave out.
Only Arutz Sheva so far.
Not the same event — other stories that share this one’s people, places, or theme: background, reactions, and follow-ups.
