Fallen Israeli Officer Harel Birnstok Urges Troops to Prioritize Good Character Over Combat Skills

A video released on Thursday shows Lieutenant Colonel Harel Birnstok, who was killed in combat in southern Lebanon at age 34, addressing his troops at the start of the Gaza conflict. Birnstok served as a reservist in the 2855th Battalion of the 55th Paratroopers Brigade. He fell alongside combat medic Lieutenant Colonel Tamir Vaknin, 33, from Eilat.

In his speech, Birnstok called on his soldiers to strengthen unit cohesion and recruit new fighters, emphasizing the importance of character above combat ability. "Long before they are good fighters, we need people who are good," he said, urging his troops to bring in friends who are good people first and foremost. He described this as the best kind of recruitment, encouraging a "buddy system" where soldiers bring in civilians they trust.

Birnstok concluded with a heartfelt message to his soldiers, expressing deep affection and a strong bond. "I truly, truly love each one of you with all my heart," he said. He acknowledged the difficulty of parting ways but expressed hope for future meetings during various missions, promising to maintain contact and expressing how much he would miss them.

The footage offers a poignant glimpse into the mindset of an officer who valued moral integrity alongside military skill, underscoring the personal sacrifices made by Israeli soldiers in ongoing conflicts.