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'Last Letters from Heroes of the October 7th War': A Review of Soldiers' Final Farewells

From Jerusalem Post · (5m ago) English Mixed tone

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • A new book, 'If You're Reading These Words: Last Letters from Heroes of the October 7th War,' compiles final letters written by Israeli soldiers before battles.
  • The collection, translated into English, features 49 letters, with many soldiers not having a formal guideline to write such messages.
  • The book aims to preserve the final thoughts of soldiers, offering a personal and poignant look at their experiences before combat, with some letters written just before entering Gaza or before complex raids.

This collection, 'If You're Reading These Words: Last Letters from Heroes of the October 7th War,' offers a profound and deeply personal glimpse into the minds of our brave soldiers during a time of immense conflict. The Toby Press's English translation brings these raw, heartfelt messages to a wider audience, allowing them to connect with the humanity behind the uniform.

Who’s supposed to teach 23-year-old kids how to write a letter like this?

— Yaron ChitizCaptain in the Givati Brigade, reflecting on the nature of writing a final letter before battle.

What strikes you immediately is the absence of any playbook for such moments. As Captain Yaron Chitiz wrote, "Who’s supposed to teach 23-year-old kids how to write a letter like this?" It’s a question that resonates with the unimaginable burden placed upon these young men and women. These are not dispatches from the front lines; they are intimate farewells, penned in the shadow of potential sacrifice.

I hope you’ll remember me.

— Adi LeonConcluding words in a letter written by a 20-year-old soldier before entering Gaza.

The editors, Shlomo Kavas and Racheli Palant-Rozen, approached this monumental task not as detached observers, but as individuals deeply affected by the events of October 7th. Their personal losses and connections to the conflict lend an undeniable authenticity and emotional weight to the compilation. They reached out to families, seeking any final words left behind, uncovering a testament to the soldiers' courage and their desire to be remembered.

I started writing because I wanted to leave behind a freshly written memory of me, but letters aren’t for me; that brings the end closer.

— Omri ShwartzA soldier's reflection on writing in his war journal in October 2023.

Unlike typical war reporting that focuses on strategy or outcomes, this book simply presents these letters, asking the reader to bear witness. It’s a powerful reminder of the individual lives and profound emotions intertwined with the broader narrative of conflict. The inclusion of Adi Leon's drawing of a Star of David, a final touch to his letter, underscores the personal faith and hope that sustained these heroes even as they faced their final moments. This is not just a book; it's a memorial, a testament to the spirit of our soldiers.

Dad, now I’m dictating my last words to you.

— Eden ProvisorA 21-year-old soldier speaking to his father from Gaza.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Jerusalem Post in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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