Leaked Letter Reveals Fallen IDF Officer's Reflections on Duty
Translated & summarized from Kipa by baba
A personal letter from fallen IDF officer Second Lieutenant Hadar Goldin, written months before his death in Gaza, has been revealed. The letter, addressed to his commander, details his reflections on soldierly dilemmas and the meaning of military service. Goldin shared stories of soldiers facing personal hardship and questioning their combat roles. His commander, Ido Asraf, described Goldin as a devoted "people person" and continues to share the letter's message.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Fallen IDF officer Hadar Goldin's personal letter detailing command dilemmas has been published.
- The letter describes Goldin's efforts to help a soldier from Ethiopia with financial and housing issues.
- Goldin explained his concept of military "mission" to a soldier questioning his combat role.
- Goldin's commander, Ido Asraf, shared the letter and praised Goldin's character.
- Goldin was killed in Gaza during Operation Protective Edge and his body was abducted by Hamas.
A personal letter written by Second Lieutenant Hadar Goldin, who fell in Gaza during Operation Protective Edge, has been published a year after his body was returned to Israel. The letter, penned months before his death and the abduction of his body by Hamas, was written at the request of his then-commander, Colonel (Res.) Ido Asraf, who asked Goldin to share his command dilemmas.
In the letter, Goldin described two specific cases involving his soldiers. One story concerned a soldier who immigrated from Ethiopia 2.5 years prior. Goldin depicted him as a charming soldier with a rare work ethic, who, along with his brother, saved NIS 100,000 to help their parents move from a reception center and buy an apartment. After visiting the family and witnessing their difficult living conditions, Goldin arranged for a refrigerator, oven, and basic supplies. When the soldier considered switching to daily service due to debts, so his brother could continue his studies, Goldin intervened, stabilizing the situation with the help of welfare officers and a donated fund.
Another story involved a talented soldier who wanted to leave the combat track, feeling he lacked a sense of mission. Goldin explained his view of a "mission" not as waving a flag or singing the anthem, but as standing in two lines on the way to Gaza while rockets fell on friends' families. He shared his own relationship with his squad leader, noting their opposing political views did not prevent them from sleeping in the same tent, loving, and working together effectively, highlighting the army's ability to break down barriers.
Despite Goldin's efforts, the soldier returned the next day "dull and indifferent" and requested to leave. Goldin concluded the letter by stating these challenges brought out new strengths from unexpected places, expressing contentment. Asraf, who presented the letter to Goldin's parents in 2014, stated he still reads it to his son and his classmates, remembering Goldin as a "smiling, devoted, people person" for whom "love of humanity was a supreme value."
