The Sukkah In His Memory

Sukkot is a time of celebration for the Jewish people that marks the harvest. It’s a time to give thanks for the produce of the land of Israel, where we take the opportunity to understand the glory that is the home to the Jewish Nation. 

Appreciating the land is also recognizing those who protect it. For generations, soldiers have been fighting to defend this country, protecting the growing greenery of the north, and endless sands in the south. Many have given their lives to enable us to sit here today, in our Sukkahs (a temporary hut), celebrating this special time with our families.

And in doing so, we remember the sacrifices they made. The men and women we have lost throughout the last two years of the Swords of Iron War, and more. 

Today we honor Yisrael Natan Rosenfeld, a 20 year-old soldier, who gave his life protecting Israel. His friends, all soldiers in the IDF, have come together to build a Sukkah in his honor. In his death, Natan saved his unit by taking a hit from an RPG in Gaza, and in doing so, its explosion was prevented, and all those around him were saved. A true example of what it means to be a hero of Israel, his friends united to speak about their memories of him, and share to the world who Natan truly was.

Natan’s friends describe him as mischievous, caring, and having a smile that lit up the entire room. “Whatever the situation, as soon as I walked through the door, his arms were immediately open for that hug,” says Sergeant M. His infectious warmth brought many together, and always kept things exciting amongst those who knew and loved him. 

“I would rarely see him in a bad mood. Always smiling, never complaining,” one of his close friends, Private N. says.. “Even after being in war for a month straight. I was in awe of him many times.” His strength and optimism inspired those around him to keep going.

For many of his friends, Natan’s memory has become a source of strength. “I wear a bracelet with his name, and whenever I reach a breaking point, I look down and think about how my brother gave everything for this country,” says Private N.

Corporal T. adds, “Natan’s days were never boring. He was always out and about, doing something, seeing someone. To honor that, I’ve started doing the same. Filling my days, seeing people, living fully. Almost every time, it ends with a visit to his grave.”

As we sit in our Sukkahs this week, we remember that the joy of this season is intertwined with gratitude. For our land, our people, and for heroes like Natan Rosenfeld, whose light continues to guide us.