Golani Soldiers Share Trauma and Faith Struggles in Budapest
Translated & summarized from Arutz Sheva by baba
Dozens of Golani Brigade soldiers visited a Chabad House in Budapest for a respite after the "Swords of Iron" war. One soldier shared profound despair and faith struggles stemming from witnessing atrocities on October 7th, where his unit suffered heavy casualties. Rabbi Shmuel Raskin offered spiritual guidance, urging him to find strength in Jewish tradition and faith to overcome the enemy's aim of mental defeat. The soldier expressed renewed determination after the conversation.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Golani soldiers visited a Chabad House in Budapest for respite after the "Swords of Iron" war.
- One soldier shared deep despair and faith questions after witnessing October 7th atrocities.
- His unit of 24 soldiers was reduced to 16 during the Hamas attack.
- Rabbi Shmuel Raskin offered spiritual guidance, emphasizing faith and tradition.
- The soldier vowed to continue fighting and overcome despair after the conversation.
Dozens of Golani Brigade soldiers visited the Chabad House in Budapest, Hungary, for a few days of respite and strengthening following their experiences in the "Swords of Iron" war. The trip was facilitated by Aviv and Zada, community leaders, and the Golani Association. Rabbi Shmuel Raskin of the Chabad House "Keren Or" hosted the soldiers for a dinner, noting their positive energy and special souls.
Following the dinner, one soldier approached Rabbi Raskin, expressing feelings of total despair and deep existential questions about faith. He recounted witnessing horrific events during the October 7th Hamas attack, where his unit of 24 soldiers was reduced to 16. The soldier, who grew up in a religious household, shared his struggle with maintaining faith and hope after such trauma.
Rabbi Raskin offered words of comfort and perspective, emphasizing that the enemy seeks not only physical destruction but also mental defeat. He urged the soldier to draw strength from his belief in the eternal connection between the Land of Israel and the Jewish people, and from the enduring faith and tradition that have sustained the Jewish people through countless crises. The Rabbi encouraged him to overcome despair by connecting to this heritage.
The soldier, deeply moved, embraced the Rabbi and vowed to continue fighting and to overcome each moment. The encounter was framed by Rabbi Raskin with a reference to the biblical commandment to Abraham to journey to a new land, symbolizing personal growth and overcoming challenges, and concluded with a prayer for joy and complete redemption for the Jewish people.