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🇮🇱 Israel /Conflict & Security

The war inside Israel's reserve families: 'To him, defending the border protects our family'

From Jerusalem Post · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

In-depth Named sources Context piece
  • Roni Friedman describes the emotional toll of her husband Yitzy's repeated reserve duty since October 7, 2023, highlighting the conflict between family needs and national service.
  • While Yitzy believes his service defends their family, Roni struggles with his prolonged absences as she prepares to give birth to their fourth child.
  • The article explores the personal sacrifices made by families supporting soldiers engaged in ongoing reserve duty, three years after the initial call-up.

Roni Friedman is preparing to welcome her fourth child while grappling with the ongoing reserve duty of her husband, Yitzy, who has been called up six times since October 7, 2023. The couple's differing perspectives on service create a persistent tension: Yitzy sees his duty on the border as essential for protecting their family in Jerusalem, while Roni prioritizes immediate family needs, especially with a new baby on the way.

Their story began on Simchat Torah, October 6, 2023, a day Roni remembers as beautiful, celebrating with their then three young children. The following morning, sirens shattered the peace, and Yitzy was among those quickly called for reserve duty. Roni recounts the surreal experience of watching him leave within minutes, feeling shocked and unable to communicate her distress.

To him, defending the border protects his family here in Jerusalem.

— Roni FriedmanExplaining her husband's motivation for repeated reserve duty.

She describes the profound impact of seeing others traumatized by their service, noting one individual who has not functioned normally for three years after being among the first responders in Kfar Aza. Despite these observations and the personal strain, Yitzy's commitment to service remains unwavering. Roni admires his dedication to his values but admits the situation creates significant strain, stating, "I cannot pretend that it doesn’t create tension when our house is literally falling apart."

I’M ALWAYS admiring him for putting his values in front. But I cannot pretend that it doesn’t create tension when our house is literally falling apart.

— Roni FriedmanExpressing the personal cost of her husband's commitment to service.
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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