Letters Written by Fallen Soldiers

Staff Sergeant Shachar Friedman z"l, aged 21 from Jerusalem

A soldier in the Paratroopers' Brigade, 101st Batallion, fell during battle in northern Gaza on November 18, 2023. 

"Be good people. Smile. Strive to make every person who you meet smile. Be open to criticism; always try to improve. Know that the greatest quality a person can have is the ability to bring joy to another. Open your ears to the needs of others, open your eyes to their sorrow. Try to smile as much as possible, even when it’s hard. Pay attention to the “small” people who fall into the corners of our vision. Appreciate the little things the world has to offer, especially nature and music. And most importantly, be good people in your own way. Don’t let society dictate what makes you a good person; just do your best. Even when you fall, know that this is the path to success. Love yourself and the world, and when you radiate joy outwardly, a circle will slowly form, one that will create a better world."

Staff Sergeant Shay Arvas z"l, aged 20 from Holon

A combat medic in the Givati Brigade, fell in Northern Gaza on October 31, 2023.

"To my beloved Adar, my dear mother, the best father in the world, and all my siblings, Chen, Tami, Ray, and Imri, Or and Niv, Ran, and Moria, Emily and Ari, Tal and Stav and the close family. Know how much I miss you and love you. Honestly, I was happy to do what I do - to save people and protect the country, because it’s something I always wanted. It is something that was always a part of me since I was little, and now I had the opportunity to do it and to give it of myself and to the country. So know that none of this was for nothing and it was worth it. As the people of Israel continue their tradition of loving this country, remember that soldiers did not fall for nothing, because there are people who need to protect it. I know it will be hard, but I want you to continue as you are. Keep living, give as much of yourselves as you can, be a united family. My beloved Adar, continue on your path. It will be hard, but I really want you to be happy like you are now, keep going forward. And to my close friends, I love you and appreciate you for all the life experiences we went through together. It was fun, I really enjoyed it, and I had a happy life. Grandpa, I know you always believed in me and were very proud that I became a combat solider, so be proud now too, because I did not fall for nothing."

Staff Sergeant (res.) Shimon Yehoshua Asulin z"l, aged 24 from Bet Shemesh

A soldier in the Combat Engineering Brigade, 924th Batallion, fell during battle in Khan Yunis on February 3, 2024.

"Buy a good karaoke set for the guys from Dimona (with my money, of course). May my brothers feel comfortable continuing to fight (I would have kept going too). Mom and Dad, I love you. Thank you for your life-long giving, you are strong people. There is no need to mourn too much, enjoy life and keep living. I’m happy up above and will enjoy seeing you happy, and I’ll drop by from time to time to celebrate with you, just don’t let me miss my nap. To the guys from Dimona, I love each of you. You were like a second family to me. Continue together until victory, period."