Among the 24 Israel Defense Force combat soldiers who were killed in action Monday (Jan. 22) was a married father of four children, 35-year-old IDF Master Sergeant (res) Elkana Vizel, who fell during a battle in southern Gaza. Vizel was from Bnei Dekalim, a class commander in the 8208th Battalion, 261st Brigade. He was laid to rest on Tuesday in Jerusalem’s Mount Herzl military cemetery.
Like all combat soldiers who go into battle, this fighter wrote a letter to his family that was to be delivered in the event that he could not do so himself.
Following is the text of his letter; it shows the heart and soul of the Israeli soldier who fights for his family, his people and his nation.
“If you are reading these words, something must have happened to me.
First, in the event that I have been taken captive, I demand that no deal for the release of a single terrorist be made for my release.
Our resounding victory is more important than anything else, so please simply continue putting all of your effort into ensuring that our victory is as resounding as possible.
Perhaps I have been killed in battle.
When a soldier is killed in battle, it’s sad. But I ask you to be happy. Don’t be sad when you bid farewell to me. Sing a lot, enter people’s hearts, hold one another’s hands and strengthen one another.
We have so much to be proud of and be happy about. We are a generation of redemption! We are writing the most significant moments in the history of our nation and of the entire world. So I ask you to please be optimistic. Keep always choosing life – a life of love, hope, purity, and optimism.
Look those who are dear to you in the whites of their eyes and remind them that everything they experience in this life is worth it and they have a great deal to live for.
Live! Don’t stop the power of life for even a single moment!
I was already wounded in Operation Protective Edge. I had the option of staying behind, but not for a moment do I regret my decision to go back into combat. On the contrary: it’s the best decision I ever made.”
