Staff Sergeant A. - 20 years old

1/5

I never imagined I would have to write something like this in my life. I tried pushing this off time and time again but I was told we’ll be entering Gaza tomorrow and there’s a chance we won’t be back, and there are a few things I need you to know before this is over. 

Dear Mom and Dad, though I don’t show you a lot of love and don’t spend a lot of time with you, know that I appreciate you so, so much. Even when I was going through a tough time you never stopped trying to help and get close to me, even when I spoke to you disrespectfully and gave up on everything you didn’t give up on me. 

You always made sure we had everything and weren’t missing anything, and you work very hard for that. You educated us in an amazing way, and I started seeing it when Zohar grew up. 

I haven’t been home much lately, and even when I was I wasn’t really present. I am so sorry for that, for not putting in more time to be with the family, and always looking to go out. At the end of the day, family is everything, and you have always accepted me just as I am. You are my entire world. 

2/5

Zohar, my incredible sister

As I am writing this I remember all the childhood moments we shared together, how much fun we had. How we were always looking for things to do, whether that was getting up before mom and dad and making them breakfast, or making funny videos together, thinking we were famous. How we drove Ori endlessly crazy and wouldn’t stop laughing until our tummies hurt. Now we’ve grown, and we’re each busy doing our own things, you in your room, me going out to parties. I miss childhood with you so much.

You are now the eldest sibling, it’s a difficult task but I’m sure you can handle it. That’s just who you are. Responsible, smart, caring, some would say the “successful sibling”. I love you so much and it’s important to me that you remember that. Unfortunately I can't tell you that face to face.

An excerpt of SSGT's physical letter

3/5

Little Ori, my little sister, I don’t think God can create another such adorable, perfect thing like you. I am writing this after not having seen you for two weeks and it feels like forever, I wish I could hug you just one last time.

I don’t know how a girl your age is meant to read such a thing, or how you’ll take it, but always remember I love you and I miss you. If you’d like, you can speak to me in your thoughts, I will listen to you from above.

4/5

I can’t write to everyone because I have honestly met so many people throughout the course of my life, but still it’s important for me to say thank you for all the moments and experiences you’ve given me. 

To the –– and –– families, I have always felt comfortable around you. The warm familial atmosphere, the generosity, the humor, I’ve always felt I had a little bit of each and every one of you in me. Thank you for everything I truly love you and I’m sorry for every family dinner or gathering I didn’t come to, because I know I missed out on experiences with amazing people. 

To my close friends, I can’t even begin to describe all the experiences we shared together. Thank you for always being there for me and for building me an incredible childhood. I hope you will celebrate like we planned to do when I get back, and tell your children about all the moments and experiences I was a part of. Miss you. 

5/5

I am going into this war knowing I might not be coming back, but I believe wholeheartedly in what I am doing. We have no other country, and now it is my turn to defend it, and fight the battle of all the civilians, soldiers, babies, elderly and women who were helpless in the face of Hamas’ brutality.

This is the way my parents raised me, this is what I believe in, I hope you will remember me,
A.