Israeli Reservist Returns to Service After Son’s Death in Gaza Conflict

At age 59, retired reservist Sergeant Major Y. from the community of Hoshaya in the Jezreel Valley decided to resume his military service after a 12-year break. Y. had served as a combat soldier in the Shaked Battalion of the Givati Brigade since 1989 and later as a reservist in the 9219th Battalion of the Etzioni Brigade until age 47, when he retired due to back problems and a kidney donation. Alongside his military service, he earned a computer science degree from Bar-Ilan University and now manages an Israeli branch of an international software company.

Following the outbreak of war on October 7, three of Y.’s sons were called up for reserve duty as combat soldiers. Months into the conflict, Y. volunteered to return to his battalion as an operations sergeant. Two months later, tragedy struck when his son Eitan, a 28-year-old captain in the 8th Brigade, was killed in action in Gaza. Eitan, a married father and law and philosophy student at the Hebrew University, died when his tank hit an explosive device during a mission on the Nitzanim coast. His fellow soldiers heroically rescued the wounded and recovered the fallen under fire.

Eitan left behind his 27-year-old widow Yael and their infant son Boaz. After a brief pause, Y. resumed his reserve service, motivated by the heavy burden on younger soldiers and a desire to contribute within his physical limits. He described how the loss profoundly changed his perspective on military service, giving it new emotional significance. After consulting with his wife, who supported his decision, Y. continues to serve in a less risky capacity, with his family’s full trust and understanding of the importance of his commitment at this time.