IDF Officer Reflects on War, Faith, and Duty After Heavy Losses

Captain Y., a company commander in the Nahal Brigade, shared his experiences from the intense battles of October 7th to the recent operations in Rafah. He spoke about the loss of his comrades, Lieutenant Colonel Yaniv Kola and Second Lieutenant Itai Ya'avetz, who were killed during a confrontation with terrorists in eastern Rafah. Captain Y. described the moment Kola was hit, just ten meters away, after taking the lead in an assault against enemy combatants. He emphasized that their charge prevented a larger disaster. Kola, who had recently assumed command of the frontline company, had told Y. that he saw his role as a mission, even amidst the fighting. This sense of mission now guides Y. as he trains new recruits, adopting Kola's motto, "For the mission, always us." Y.'s own path to combat service began after five years of study at the Ateret Cohanim yeshiva, choosing to serve in regular Nahal battalions because he felt it was where he was most needed. He credits his yeshiva education with shaping his understanding of the importance of defending Israel and his personal responsibility to the Jewish people. On October 7th, Y.'s unit was deployed to the southern front, witnessing the horrors of the Hamas attack firsthand. These experiences solidified his commitment to loving every Jew and cherishing the Land of Israel, principles he now instills in his soldiers. He acknowledged the inherent danger of his service, stating his faith allowed him to focus on the mission, believing he was doing what was right to protect the nation. Y. also spoke about participating in missions to locate hostages and fallen soldiers, including extensive searches for Hadar Goldin, driven by a commitment to never abandon any Jew. As a company commander at the Nahal Brigade's training base, he is focused on imparting both operational lessons and the values of remembrance and sacrifice to the next generation of fighters. He noted that training has significantly evolved since October 7th, incorporating extreme scenarios and emphasizing the importance of connecting with bereaved families through the "Eitan Nahal" project. Despite the ongoing war and its heavy toll, Y. expressed surprise at the high motivation of new recruits, who are eager to serve in combat roles out of a sense of mission. He sees the connection between soldiers and the Israeli public as a key source of strength for the IDF. Y., whose family immigrated from France, stressed that aliyah should stem from a love for Israel, not just fear. He strives to maintain unity among his soldiers, setting aside political disagreements to focus on mutual reliance and shared responsibility. Reflecting on the Nahal Brigade's journey since October 7th, he sees it as mirroring the resilience of the Israeli people, who have recovered from immense loss. He believes the fighting spirit and determination of the soldiers prove the nation's strength, stating, "The people of Israel are stronger and more steadfast than any imagination." For Y., seeing Israeli civilians continue their lives provides reassurance that the soldiers' efforts are achieving their goal: ensuring the survival and well-being of the nation. He remains committed to serving where he can best contribute to the people of Israel and expressed gratitude to the public for their support. He concluded by wishing for continued joy and peace for all Israelis.