Bereaved Sister Writes Book on Grief, Joins IDF After Brother's Death
Translated & summarized from Maariv by baba
Shira-Emuna Amsalem has published a book, "Left Behind a Sister," detailing her grief after her brother Avihai Amsalem was killed on October 7. The book explores the often-overlooked pain of bereaved siblings. Amsalem also enlisted in the IDF at age 35, feeling it was important to honor her brother's memory. She emphasizes that while the pain of loss is profound, recovery and resilience are possible.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Shira-Emuna Amsalem published "Left Behind a Sister" about the grief of bereaved siblings after her brother's death.
- Her brother, Master Sergeant (Res.) Avihai Amsalem, was killed on October 7.
- Amsalem felt siblings' grief is often overlooked and sought to give them a voice.
- She enlisted in the IDF at age 35 to honor her brother's memory.
- The book explores the pain of loss but also emphasizes hope and resilience.
- Avihai Amsalem was also a student, worked at Elbit, and cared for at-risk teens.
Shira-Emuna Amsalem, whose brother, Master Sergeant (Res.) Avihai Amsalem, was killed on October 7, has published a book titled "Left Behind a Sister." The book, based on diary entries she wrote over two years, explores the pain and unique experience of bereaved siblings, a group she felt was often overlooked in discussions of grief.
Amsalem, an occupational therapist who also began medical studies at age 38, explained that she started writing shortly after her brother's death. Her entries often addressed her brother directly, sharing life updates and her feelings of loss. She noted that even before her brother's death, she had volunteered with bereaved families and observed the distinct, often marginalized, position of siblings within the initial mourning circles. Finding no literature on the subject, she felt compelled to raise awareness and give voice to this less-discussed aspect of loss.
Two years after her brother's death, Amsalem described feeling exhausted from her efforts to memorialize him, believing that sufficient commemoration might somehow keep him present. The book's publication, she said, marked a shift towards processing her grief. She highlighted that bereaved siblings represent the largest and most diverse group within the initial circle of mourning, with varying family structures and age gaps, and that her voice is just one among many.
Avihai Amsalem, a former student of electrical engineering and an employee at Elbit, was also involved in caring for 12 at-risk teenage girls with his wife, in addition to their own two daughters. He was described as a highly present and helpful individual, engaged in multiple activities including basketball and Torah studies.
Amsalem recounted receiving the news of her brother's death with a delay, as military officials initially prioritized notifying parents and spouses due to a perceived officer shortage. Her mother's insistence eventually led to her being informed, albeit significantly later than other family members.
She described her grief as a profound longing for her brother's protective presence, his willingness to help, and the simple joy of sharing everyday moments. She misses being able to share achievements, like her acceptance into medical school at 38 after a 17-year struggle with chronic illness, and hearing his proud reaction.
Approximately six months after her brother's death, at age 35, Amsalem enlisted in the IDF, feeling it was important to fill his place, as he was described as an excellent soldier. Her book conveys two main messages: that bereaved siblings also experience deep pain, comparable to a table losing a leg, and that despite the initial overwhelming darkness of grief, there is a path to recovery and resilience, emphasizing the importance of fighting for life to the fullest.