I1: Fallen Soldiers

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Soldier 2:

You know, we are better than our enemies. Our Intelligence
always knows what's going on well before it happens. They
call us up fast. Zahal are always prepared. This is our
advantage, this gives us power. And yet... that time
they got us.

October 6th 1973 we were unprepared. It turned out later that Intelligence knew the potential danger, but they kept shtoom. We paid the price. When it began I was shocked. As a trained soldier I didn't like that. Not being in control. I died in a war I wasn't ready for.

Nevertheless, I fought. I did my bit. Not everyone did. Israel, the Jewish land was at war, fighting for survival and still some Jews, my people, preferred to stay indoors. To sit and study their sacred books while we sweated, fought and died for them. I don't respect the men with the black hats because they would not fight beside me. If you won't fight in war time then you have no rights in peace time. That's my law, my belief. They pervert Judaism. Saul and David, the great kings of Israel, they knew the importance of the sword and they feared God. I don't wear the garb but I'm no sinner. I don't keep the old laws but I know my duty to Israel - the land God promised to my ancestors!

The war began on Yom Kippur. our most holy day. Every Jew prays. But that year it was destroyed by death. This angered me the most. More than the surprise, more than the weak Jews amongst us, that they hit us on Yom Kippur was unforgivable. That hurt.

There was so much going on. Surprise, anger, synagogue, explosions, trying to remain calm. Get to my unit. Follow orders. Stay sharp. Move fast.

Yet we survived. We were not driven into the sea. We showed, we proved that even unprepared we were better. The loss of life was great. Over 2000 soldiers shared my fate. And inside Israel, things changed. It was like the country lost its nerve. We showed the world that we couldn't be beaten, but amongst ourselves we know we had been. I don't know if we ever really recovered from that. They could hurt us. We are susceptible.

As time passes the battles get more complex. I always knew that when I fought it was life or death for Israel. But now, in Lebanon, in the territories it's not that simple. Soldiers shouldn't have to deal with moral battles. it's hard enough to have the inner strength to physically fight and kill. Today, soldiers doubt themselves. to many rules, to many obligations. Forgive the soldiers if they make mistakes. The pressure is huge.

This is all very clear to me know. I've worked it through. I am still angry, I think I always will be, but I knew that what I did was right. And I still believe in Israel. Remember that. Soldiers are not beautiful creatures, but they can have ideals. But whatever they feel, they have to fight. That is their purpose. That won't ever change. Remember that.

(Soldier 2 sits down, soldier 3 gets up again to speak)

Continued