In the words of T.S. Eliot, “April is the cruelest month.” Amidst the ongoing conflict initiated by our adversaries, I have had the privilege of serving as a combat medic in an IDF PALMAR unit on the Gaza front. Alongside physicians, paramedics, combat medics, and troops, our unit includes soldiers from the YASAR unit, dedicated to the dignified identification and repatriation of fallen IDF heroes for burial in Israel.

The solemn rituals following the fallen soldiers’ preparation by the YASAR unit are a poignant reminder of the ultimate sacrifice made in defense of our nation. As belongings are cataloged and personal effects stored, the fallen soldier is honored with a heartfelt tribute by an officiating Rabbi, acknowledging their heroism and sacrifice. The mourners’ Kaddish, a prayer of mourning, unites all present in a moment of somber reflection and collective grief.

Last year, I stood among thousands at the funeral of First Sergeant Nissim Meital, whose sister is a combat medic in my unit. The family’s profound loss echoed through the poignant words of his grandfather, “I am ninety and burying my twenty-year-old grandson. It should be the other way round.” Their anguish and sorrow underscored the profound impact of each loss on our community and the enduring pain of sacrifice.

Our history teaches us the sobering reality of our enemies’ intentions and the necessity of defending our people and homeland. The price of freedom, paid in the blood of our brave soldiers, is a stark reminder of the enduring struggle for security and sovereignty. As we mourn the fallen, we are called to honor their legacy by continuing to build a nation they would be proud of, ensuring their sacrifices were not in vain.

At IDF funerals, the poignant phrase “With their death they have given us life” resonates, symbolizing the enduring spirit of sacrifice and resilience that defines our nation. As we pay tribute to our fallen heroes, we are reminded of our collective responsibility to uphold the values and dreams they fought for, to create a society worthy of their sacrifice.

In the midst of mourning, we find strength in unity and resilience, knowing that our shared destiny as a nation is rooted in mutual support and solidarity. As we navigate the challenges and sorrows of our reality, we are called to embrace the promise of joy and renewal, sowing the seeds of hope amidst tears to reap the fruits of a brighter future together.

As we honor the fallen, we commit to building a future that reflects their courage and dedication, ensuring that their memory lives on in the vibrant tapestry of our nation’s story. In the words of Psalms, “Those who sow in tears shall reap in joy” (Psalms, 126:5), we find solace and inspiration to carry on the legacy of those who gave everything for our collective future.

The above contains an extracts from my latest book “Heroes of PALMAR, How One IDF unit Revolutionised Combat Medicine in Gaza” (Gefen:2026). Available on Amazon.com or Gefen.com.

© The Times of Israel (Blogs)