While still fighting with his unit deep in Gaza, David,* the commanding officer of my son’s unit, decided that he would organize an evening for the soldiers and their wives/girlfriends after they were all discharged. Two weeks ago, the soldiers and their wives were treated to a beautiful event that took place at the scenic Tel Aviv Port.
It was interesting for the soldiers to see each other in civilian clothing. The soldiers and their wives partook in a lavish meat buffet as they listened to speeches made by commanders. My son’s request for a high level of kashrus was met.
During the war, the wives of the unit created a WhatsApp chat for updates. It was an easy way for the commanders to disseminate information to the wives quickly. After months of going through the war “together” and supporting their husbands while holding down the Home Front, the wives were finally able to meet, in person, other women whom they would have never met if not for the war.
Among the guests was Inbar Lavi, widow of Staff Sergeant Maor Lavi, who fell in battle in Gaza almost two months ago. Maor, a resident of Susiya in southern Chevron, was a devoted husband, and a loving father to his four daughters: Hadar, Shani, Shahar, and Adi. When I spoke with Inbar, she described Maor as someone who volunteered for many organizations: Hatzalah, Israel Police, Israel Fire and Rescue Services, and Yedidim (roadside assistance). He was planning to join Israel Search and Rescue Services when the war broke out. While Maor contributed tremendously to the community, he was present and active at home. He was very connected to his girls and wouldn’t work long hours so that he could be with them at home. He fully committed himself to both his family and his community. Although it was difficult for Inbar to attend the event without her husband, the evening provided her with a sense of closure as her husband’s friends spoke about Maor.
Maor became famous several days before his death. On the seventh night of Chanukah, he had been raiding homes in the Shejaiya neighborhood of Gaza City. Among the weapons, uniforms, combat equipment, and Palestinian flags the soldiers found as he searched the house, he also came across a menorah. He lit Chanukah candles on the seventh and eighth nights of Chanukah with that menorah. Maor publicized his findings, as he had wanted to return the menorah to its owner. He even recorded an interview on the subject with Kan Bet, ending it with “Am Yisrael Chai.”
My daughter-in-law gave birth to a baby girl on the day that Maor was killed. She and my son named their daughter Ora, after Maor. My son drove to Susiya during the shiv’ah to tell them about his daughter’s name.
In addition to the food, a stand-up comedian entertained the soldiers. They also listened to meaningful speeches given by commanders and others. HaRav Tamir Granot, Rosh Yeshivah of Yeshivat Orot Shaul, and researcher of the Holocaust, spoke about the idealism that drives the decisions made by soldiers as they fight in battle. His son, Amitai, told his girlfriend that they would get married the next time he got out of the army. Even though he was planning to get married, Amitai decided to place himself at risk to protect other soldiers during a battle at the northern border. Tragically, Amitai was killed in that battle.
Yoaz Hendel, former Minister of Communications, who served as a reserve combat soldier in the current war, spoke to the soldiers about the need to continue the unity that they all felt when they were serving in Gaza. He actually met this unit when they were in Gaza.
Some of the soldiers reminisced about the publicized miracle that happened to one of the brigades of their unit. They had been given 48-hour leave from Gaza but then were ordered to go back inside. After some of the fighters had gone ahead and entered houses, Sergeant Malchiel ben Yosef’s group stopped. Malchiel took the opportunity to daven Minchah. While davening Sh’moneh Esrei, Malchiel noticed metal moving on the ground nearby. At first, he thought it was an animal. Then he realized it was the metal lid of a tunnel opening. A terrorist carrying a rocket-propelled grenade emerged from the tunnel and headed toward the soldiers. The terrorist did not see Malchiel who began yelling. Instinctively, Malchiel did not use words as he yelled, since he was in the middle of davening Sh’moneh Esrei. Malchiel shot the terrorist and hit him before he fired his RPG. His fellow soldiers also fired at the terrorist. Malchiel threw a grenade into the tunnel opening to prevent more terrorists from coming out. Malchiel and his fellow soldiers were saved by his davening Minchah. Malchiel related this story to Channel 14. Many took it upon themselves to daven Minchah after hearing this story.
After the speeches, the soldiers were presented with a bottle of wine and plaques, thanking them for their contribution to the war effort. Let’s hope that, from now on, the soldiers only get together for enjoyable reunions and good times.
Please continue to daven for the recovery of the wounded, the release of the remaining hostages, and the success and safe return of all soldiers and security personnel.
Suzie Steinberg, (nee Schapiro), CSW, is a native of Kew Gardens Hills and resident of Ramat Beit Shemesh who publishes articles regularly in various newspapers and magazines about life in general, and about life in Israel in particular. Her recently published children’s book titled Hashem is Always With Me can be purchased in local Judaica stores as well as online. Suzie can be reached at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and would love to hear from you.
