Bereaved Father Urges Speaking Truth in Love to Defend IDF Soldiers' Honor

Yaakov Nitzan, father of Gilad Nitzan who was killed in battles in northern Gaza, writes about the balance between unconditional love and public responsibility. He argues that love and giving others the benefit of the doubt do not require silence in the face of statements that harm the honor of IDF soldiers and their families. Instead, public responsibility demands speaking the truth out of love.

Nitzan reflects on the Jewish sages' teachings about baseless hatred causing the destruction of the Temple, but also warns against excessive humility that leads to avoiding necessary decisions. He cites Rabbi Zechariah ben Avkulas, whose humility led to passive silence and contributed to the Temple's destruction, illustrating that love must not mean surrendering truth or responsibility.

He emphasizes that unconditional love is about how truth is conveyed, not denying reality. Respecting others does not mean justifying harmful statements, and it is possible to love fellow citizens while opposing damaging rhetoric. While ideological disagreements should be met with humility and understanding, public statements that undermine the sacrifice of those defending Israel cross a line and threaten the foundations of mutual responsibility.

Nitzan calls for firm but loving defense of core Israeli values without hatred or delegitimization. He stresses the importance of holding two truths simultaneously: unconditional love for Israel and uncompromising commitment to the values sustaining the nation. The Temple stood on truth, justice, responsibility, mutual guarantee, and self-sacrifice, and so must Israeli society today. The challenge is to protect these foundations without hatred, a difficult but necessary path to prevent both baseless hatred and passive humility that endangers the community.