IDF's Senior Haredi Officer Reveals Harrowing October 7 Battle and Family Tragedy
Lieutenant Colonel Avigdor Dikstein, head of the Haredi sector in the IDF's Personnel Directorate, shared a deeply personal and moving account of his experiences during the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on the Re'im army base in the Gaza border area. In an emotional interview on the 'Kikar FM' podcast with Eli Guthelf, Dikstein described the chaos in the Gaza Division command center as militants breached the base, the struggle to maintain situational awareness amid communication failures, and the heroic sacrifices of officers who died defending the camp.
Dikstein, a Chabad Hasid who grew up in a large family of emissaries in Beersheba and served in various logistical and command roles, recounted his journey from yeshiva student to IDF officer. Despite initial challenges adapting to military life and skepticism about integrating Haredim into the army, he emphasized the importance of combining full religious observance with operational effectiveness. He highlighted recent IDF efforts to create dedicated frameworks for Haredi soldiers, including kosher food provisions, specialized rabbinical oversight, and commander training to respect religious nuances.
The interview also revealed the personal toll of the conflict on Dikstein's family. His father, Rabbi Moshe Dikstein, a longtime ZAKA commander in Beersheba, suffered a debilitating stroke after months of identifying victims at the Shura collection point, overwhelmed by the horrific scenes. Dikstein called for unity within Israeli society, condemning internal divisions and urging support for all soldiers and bereaved families.
Addressing critics who view Haredi enlistment as experimental, Dikstein firmly stated that the IDF is not conducting experiments on Haredi soldiers but is committed to continuous improvement and operational excellence. He stressed that the army's goal is to integrate Haredim into core combat and support roles without compromising their religious identity. Dikstein concluded by reaffirming his dedication to this mission, viewing it as a historic turning point for the IDF and the Haredi community.
This comprehensive testimony offers a rare glimpse into the intersection of faith, family sacrifice, and military service amid one of Israel's darkest days, challenging societal prejudices and calling for collective responsibility and solidarity.
