Bereaved Partners of Fallen Israeli Soldiers Share Heartfelt Letters on Love and Loss
Several bereaved partners of Israeli soldiers who died in recent and past conflicts have shared deeply personal letters reflecting on their love, grief, and memories. Noa Amnu wrote to her late fiancé, Staff Sergeant Nir Goffer of Golani Brigade’s 51st Battalion, who fell in combat in South Lebanon in November 2024 at age 20. She recalls their sudden love after years of silence, the promises they made, and the pain of losing him just as they planned a future together. Noa describes how she copes with his absence, treasuring daily memories and the digital messages he left her.
Shelly Smolarenko mourns Staff Sergeant Aner Shapira, a Nahal reconnaissance team leader who died in October 2023 near Re’im while saving others. She reflects on their two years together, the struggle to accept his death, and how she finds meaning in commemorating him through music, writing, and carrying forward his values. Shelly emphasizes the difficulty of rebuilding life without her "balance" and the enduring impact of his loss.
Hagar Toledo writes to her late partner, Staff Sergeant Noharai Levi Amiti of Golani’s 13th Battalion, killed in October 2023 at age 20. She shares her ongoing loneliness, the memories of their simple yet profound relationship, and how she channels her grief into honoring his memory and living with the love they shared. Hagar highlights the challenge of being a bereaved partner, balancing vulnerability and strength.
Amit Levi remembers her late boyfriend, Corporal Itai Saban of Golani’s 51st Battalion, who died suddenly in June 2020 at age 18.5. She recounts their joyful time together, her struggle to accept his death, and the comfort she finds in his family and friends who became her support system. Amit speaks of continuing life with the lessons of love he taught her.
Sharon Eitan reflects on her late husband, Captain Ron (Tushko) Tal, who died in 1987 at age 22 during service in Gaza. Approaching 60, she describes four decades of parallel lives, hers without him and his memory alongside her. Sharon shares how she fulfilled some of their shared dreams alone and continues to feel his presence daily. She also writes about raising their son, now an army officer, and the ongoing process of living with loss.
All the women are members of "He Left Behind a Friend," an association supporting bereaved partners of fallen IDF and security forces soldiers. Since October 7, 2023, the organization has welcomed 402 new bereaved partners, providing tailored therapeutic and rehabilitative care in cooperation with the IDF’s victim and family support units.
These letters offer intimate insights into the enduring love and profound grief experienced by those who lost loved ones in Israel’s ongoing conflicts, highlighting their resilience and the importance of remembrance.
