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A tale of two Aris: How a fallen IDF soldier’s name forged a lifelong family bond - opinion

From Jerusalem Post · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

Opinion Named sources Context piece
  • The author recounts the story of Sgt. Ari Weiss, an IDF soldier killed in 2002 while on a mission in Nablus.
  • Ari Weiss, originally from Dallas, Texas, died saving a fellow soldier during an operation to capture Hamas headquarters.
  • His death created a profound bond between his family and the family of the soldier he saved, symbolizing sacrifice and connection.

The story begins on September 30, 2002, a day marked by profound sacrifice and the forging of an enduring family bond. On this day, Sgt. Ari Weiss, a nearly 22-year-old soldier born in Dallas, Texas, was engaged in a critical mission in Nablus with his elite anti-terror engineering unit, Palchan HaNachal. The Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) had located Hamas headquarters and tasked Weiss's unit with capturing the building.

I am the One... who forms light and creates darkness, who makes peace and creates evil. Yes, it is I, God, who makes all of these.

— IsaiahAn opening quote setting a theological tone for the narrative of life, death, and conflict.

This operation occurred two years into the Second Intifada, a period of intense conflict following the collapse of the Oslo Accords and marked by numerous Palestinian attacks. The mission successfully uncovered valuable intelligence regarding Hamas's past, present, and future terrorist operations. As the unit prepared to withdraw at dusk, shots suddenly rang out from a building opposite Hamas headquarters. Ari Weiss was shot while attempting to aid a fellow soldier, Shai Chaim, who had been hit first. A bullet pierced Weiss's lung, and despite the efforts of the medic, he succumbed to his wounds. Shai Chaim, though severely injured and paralyzed, survived after multiple surgeries.

The narrative highlights the deep connection formed between Ari Weiss's family and Shai Chaim's family. The author, presumably connected to the Preiser family who were delivering their tenth child on the same day Ari died, emphasizes the emotional weight of the event. Visitors, including prominent figures like Natan Sharansky, Moshe Katsav, and Moshe Ya'alon, paid their respects during the shiva, underscoring the significance of Ari's sacrifice.

Ari was shot as he went to the aid of fellow soldier Shai Chaim, who had been hit first.

— AuthorDescribing the heroic act that led to Sgt. Ari Weiss's death.

The story is framed by a quote from Isaiah, "I am the One... who forms light and creates darkness, who makes peace and creates evil. Yes, it is I, God, who makes all of these," suggesting a theological perspective on the intertwined nature of life, death, peace, and evil. The author's personal connection to the events, possibly through the birth of Ari Preiser on the same day Ari Weiss fell, underscores the theme of how lives and legacies intertwine through shared experiences of loss and resilience.

So many tears, so many traumatic moments are going up and down the emotional scale of pain and pride.

— AuthorReflecting on the intense emotions experienced during the shiva for Ari Weiss.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Jerusalem Post. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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