🎗️Lonny's War Update- October 573, 2023

🎗️Day 573 that 59 of our hostages in Hamas captivity
There is nothing more important than getting them home! NOTHING!

“I’ve never met them,
But I miss them.
I’ve never met them,
but I think of them every second.
I’ve never met them,
but they are my family.
BRING THEM HOME NOW!!!”
We’re waiting for you, all of you.
A deal is the only way to bring
all the hostages home- the murdered for burial and the living for rehabilitation.

#BringThemHomeNow #TurnTheHorrorIntoHope

There is no victory until all of the hostages are home!
‎אין נצחון עד שכל החטופים בבית

Red Alerts - Missile, Rocket, Drone (UAV - unmanned aerial vehicles), and Terror Attacks and Death Announcements

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Hostage Updates

I cannot celebrate independence when my heart is with the hostages in Gaza
Opinion: Even today, as I sit at home on the eve of the 77th Independence Day of the country I so deeply love, I still have nothing to celebrate; I’m home—but my heart is still there
When the State of Israel marked its 75th Independence Day, I went out with friends to celebrate. I was already too old for bike rides and the small neighborhood concerts in the square—later named after me in the call for my return from Hamas captivity.
Last year, I spent Israel’s 76th Independence Day as a hostage of Hamas. I marked the day, proud of a state founded to ensure the safety of the Jewish people—yet I was under threat, living in fear. I had nothing to celebrate. Even now, as I sit at home on the eve of the state’s 77th Independence Day, in the country I so dearly love, I still have nothing to celebrate.
Statement by representatives of the Hostages and Missing Families Forum (Photo: Ido Erez)

I can walk, eat, and breathe. I can hug my mother, hang out with friends, eat what I want, whatever my body needs. But my heart still won’t let me feel a true sense of independence—a sense of freedom and control over my life—while my friends remain in chains underground. While so many families still cry out for their loved ones. Now, I’m crying out for them—for those who can’t be heard—who, without them, we cannot begin to heal. Seventy-seven years ago, the Jewish state was established to help the Jewish people recover after six million Jews were murdered in Europe, after the horrors endured by Jews in North Africa and South America. That was our first revival. Now is the time for a new one.
Omer Shem-Tov
We must unite to save those we can, to prevent further loss and death, to fulfill the very purpose for which this country was founded: to keep the Jewish heart beating, and the people safe.

'Our tears dripped onto the candles': Former hostages reflect on first free Memorial Day back home

Hamas captivity survivors share powerful accounts of how they observed last year’s siren—from standing in silence at 11 a.m. to lighting candles; 'It was one of our most powerful moments there,' says ex-hostage Emily Damari

On the eve of Memorial Day for fallen soldiers and victims of terrorism, several former hostages held by Hamas shared on social media how they observed last year’s nationwide moment of silence from inside Gaza.

Former hostage Emily Damari, who marked 100 days since her release on Tuesday, wrote on Instagram that she and fellow captive Romi Gonen stood quietly at 11 a.m. last year, when Al-Jazeera announced Israel’s two-minute siren. “We decided to stand for a minute to remember everyone and share in the pain,” Damari said. “It was one of our most powerful moments there — when you’re down at the very bottom.”


Damari, who was freed alongside Gonen and Doron Steinbrecher after 471 days in captivity, will light a torch at Wednesday’s Independence Day ceremony. She was abducted from her home in Kfar Aza on Oct. 7, shot at close range and lost two fingers and suffered serious leg wounds. Since her return, she has campaigned for the release of all remaining hostages, especially her friends Gali and Ziv Berman, twin brothers who were also taken from Kfar Aza.

Fellow former hostage Liri Albag described how she and Agam Berger lit three memorial candles last year — one for Noam Avramovich, one for Shirat Yam Omer and one for the other lookout post soldiers who were killed. 
Liri Albag (center) with Shirat Yam Omer and Noam Avramovich (Photo: from Instagram)
“We stood in silence as our tears dripped onto the candles so we would never forget them,” Albag wrote. “We prayed for the safety of Israel’s soldiers and security personnel, and for the country’s security.”
Another former captive, Eliya Cohen, posted photos of 30 friends and family members he lost, calling it “a surreal reality” to attend all their funerals in a single day. “Each one of you is etched on my heart and in my soul,” he wrote. “I miss you all and will never forget you.”

Independence Day

Torch-Lighting Ceremony Highlights: Emily Damari Dedicates to Gali and Ziv Berman, Ben Karsu Honors Bibas Children - and the "Shadow Torch"

The dress rehearsal for the torch-lighting ceremony at Mount Herzl, marking Israel's 77th Independence Day, was broadcast in place of the canceled event and still provided moving moments. Emily Damari dedicated her torch to her friends Gali and Ziv Berman, still held hostage by Hamas. Bereaved father Raphael Aruas said: "Anyone who thinks they have troubles in life should come to this plot - and meet the incredible people we've lost." All the key moments.

The dress rehearsal for the torch-lighting ceremony at Mount Herzel, marking Israel's 77th Independence Day, was broadcast yesterday (Wednesday) in place of the canceled ceremony, which was called off due to strong winds and the wildfires spreading across the Jerusalem hills. Despite being pre-recorded, the event still delivered several emotional and heartfelt moments showcasing the diverse faces of Israeli society.

Hostage survivors Emily Damari and Eli Sharabi were both chosen to light the "Hostages Torch" - though Sharabi was absent from the rehearsal and thus did not appear in the broadcast, which was recorded in advance. Damari dedicated her torch to her friends Gali and Ziv Berman, still held by Hamas, marking a second Independence Day in captivity:

"I, Emily Tehila Damari, daughter of Amanda and Avihai Damari (may they live long and healthy lives), light this torch in honor of the 59 hostages still held by Hamas - we must do everything to bring them home! And in honor of Ziv and Gali Berman, my soulmates, who lived door-to-door with me in Kfar Aza, and in Gaza floor above floor. Gali and Zivi - I promise you: we'll watch pink sunsets together again! In memory of the 64 murdered victims of Kfar Aza, including two of my closest friends Daniel Peled and Yuval Solomon (of blessed memory) - our hearts will never be whole without you."

The "Strength of Spirit" torch was lit jointly by Rachel Edri, Raphael Aruas, and Mahluf Ohana. Edri, a 66-year-old from Ofakim, became a national symbol for her extraordinary composure facing terrorists who held her and her husband hostage in their home on October 7:

"I light this torch in memory of my beloved husband David, who walked beside me every step of the way and passed away shortly after that Saturday - you can't imagine how much I miss him," she mourned.

Raphael, father of fallen Givati Brigade combat medic Sgt. Shay Aruas (of blessed memory), who died in the Namer APC disaster in Jabaliya on October 31, said with a broken voice while lighting the torch:

"I light this torch in honor of the heroes buried in Plot 10 at the Holon Cemetery, where my beloved son Shay (of blessed memory) rests. Anyone who thinks they have troubles in life should come to this plot - and meet the incredible people we've lost."

Elisha Medan, a reservist seriously wounded in an explosion at a house adjacent to a mosque in northern Gaza - an incident that killed four of his fellow reservists - lit the "Healing and Rehabilitation" torch alongside Yarin Ilovich and Jenny Savidia. In his speech he said:

"I am Elisha Medan, son of Ruthi and Rabbi Yaakov Medan, and husband to Miriam, the bravest woman in the world. I light this torch in honor of war wounded - those injured in body and soul - undergoing long, painful rehabilitation journeys. In honor of our spouses, families and friends who give us strength. In honor of dedicated hospital and clinic teams, the IDF Disabled Veterans Organization, Beit Halochem, and all who help us navigate this long path. In honor of Kibbutz Keramim, a bridge between religious and secular, left and right. In honor of Israeli society's shared journey - which like us needs healing and rehabilitation, and like us - will rise again. In honor of understanding we're in this together - and nothing must divide us."

One of the "Generation to Generation" torch lighters was 10-year-old Ben Karsu, the youngest ever selected for this honor. During the war, he joined his mother in advocacy efforts, giving lectures worldwide about his experiences as an Israeli child during war. Karsu chose to light the torch in memory of Ariel and Kfir Bibas, moving the audience:

"I light this torch in honor of Israel's children," said Karsu at the ceremony. "We who grow up in a complex reality no child worldwide should face. In memory of Ariel and Kfir Bivas and all children murdered since October 7."

The "Determination" torch was lit by Oren Smadja, Deni Avdija and Gal Hamrani. Smadja, the former Olympic medalist judoka, lost his son Omer in June 2024 to mortar fire in central Gaza - just six weeks before coaching Israel's men's judo team at the Paris Olympics.

Finally, Mossad operatives R., D. and N. - who led the mysterious operation detonating thousands of Hezbollah pagers in Lebanon - jointly lit the 12th and final "Shadow Torch." R., 49 from central Israel, commanded the pager operation:

"I, R., a Mossad operations leader and proud mother of three including a soldier actively serving in Gaza and Lebanon, light this torch with a sense of mission in name of Mossad operatives worldwide. Through their initiative, sophistication and determination, bold operations are executed that break our enemies' spirit and secure Israel's future." link

Rotem Sela: "Please, Don't Be Like Yair Netanyahu"

The actress and television host responded to the conspiratorial post made by the Prime Minister's son, who hinted that "the Kaplanist left" is responsible for igniting the massive wildfire. "Looking at this tweet and rubbing my eyes - we must not stay silent about this ugly incitement and divisiveness."

Rotem Sela spoke out tonight (Wednesday) against the inflammatory conspiracy theory promoted by Yair Netanyahu, the Prime Minister's son, who suggested that "the Kaplanist left" is to blame for igniting the massive wildfire in the Jerusalem hills.

"I'm looking at this tweet and rubbing my eyes," wrote the actress and TV host in a story posted to her Instagram account. "It took me a moment to believe this was a real tweet from the Prime Minister's son. Memorial Day just ended—so many of our brothers and sisters who lost their lives defending this country. Out there in battle, in terror attacks, or on October 7th, no one asked them if they were Kaplanist leftists. Yes, we have so many problems to deal with right now, but I swear we simply cannot stay silent in the face of this ugly incitement and divisiveness." Sela concluded her post with the words: "Please, don't be like Yair Netanyahu."

Earlier this evening, against the backdrop of the raging wildfires coinciding with Memorial Day, the Prime Minister's son tweeted: "Something here is suspicious... The Kaplanist left has been in a frenzy over the past few weeks trying to cancel Independence Day celebrations and the torch-lighting ceremony. I really hope the arson was carried out only by Arabs, without any cooperation from members of our own people..."

Yair, the son of Prime Minister Netanyahu and his wife Sara, has been living in Miami since early 2023 and is under constant Shin Bet protection. He deleted the conspiratorial tweet from his X account (formerly Twitter) shortly after posting it—this after earlier this month telling the French president to "go fuck yourself" when Macron called for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state. link The despicable son of Netanyahu lives in Miami on the Israeli taxpayers' dime. Every word out of his mouth is more vile than diarrhea as is an attack of anyone and everyone that he perceives is against his father and his own radical ideas and thoughts. The reason that he is living in Miami is because of several incidents that he slapped his father on his face in the presence of the prime minister's bodyguards. Because daddy is PM, this was an attack on an official symbol of the country. From the information that I have, he was given a choice by the Attorney General to either stand trial for attacking an official symbol of the State or leave the country. Now, the reason that he is living on our dime is because Netanyahu the father petitioned that his wife and 2 sons need to have protection 24/7 and the committee (made of his lackeys) approved it. This is the first PM in Israel's history to have adult children with 24/7 guards and all expenses for that to be covered. The son's luxury life in Miami costs us millions of dollars. He has 2 guards with him at all times (every 2 weeks, they rotate out to go back to Israel - more costs), a driver and a car, and we must pay all the expenses for all the guards, the driver and the car. The younger Netanyahu is not only a vile prima dona and conspiracy broker, but a parasite as well.

Gaza and the South

Three Hamas Leaders Inform Egypt: Willing to Discuss Surrendering Weapons - and Exiling Hamas Leaders, Including Mohammed Sinwar

It appears that within the terrorist organization's leadership, several figures have concluded that given the pressures, there will be no choice but to reach an arrangement. Sources in the Strip clarified to N12: "Hamas commanders are under heavy pressure from the local population to move in this direction."
Three Hamas leaders have informed Egypt of their willingness to discuss handing over the organization's weapons to the committee that will be established to manage the Gaza Strip after a comprehensive hostage deal is implemented, including an IDF withdrawal from Gaza. As of today (Saturday), this message does not reflect an official decision by Hamas's leadership. However, it suggests that within the terrorist organization's top ranks, some individuals have concluded that given the pressures being exerted, Hamas will be forced to negotiate an arrangement for disarmament.
Destruction in Gaza from attacks after the resumption of fighting | Photo: OMAR AL-QATTAA/AFP via Getty Images

The pressure on Hamas in this direction comes primarily from Egypt, but similar messages have been conveyed to the organization's leaders in Qatar and Turkey by Gulf states and, of course, the Palestinian Authority. At this stage, it remains unclear how feasible such a shift in Hamas's official stance is. Some doubt these discussions will mature into official policy.

"Hamas commanders in the Strip are under heavy pressure from the local population to pursue such a move," sources within the organization told N12. "This is with the understanding that no serious aid for rehabilitating the area will arrive and that Arab states will not send battalions for policing missions in the Strip as long as Hamas remains an armed militant group."

Moreover, the three Hamas leaders who conveyed these messages added that discussions could also include the exile of an unspecified number of Hamas commanders, including Mohammed Sinwar and Gaza Brigade commander Az al-Din Haddad. They referenced the precedent of PLO leader Yasser Arafat's evacuation from Beirut in September 1982 with all his forces.

As we reported yesterday, Hussein al-Sheikh, a close associate of Abu Mazen, is expected to be appointed as Deputy Chairman of the Palestinian Authority. This follows strong demands from Arab states, led by Saudi Arabia. Consequently, al-Sheikh's chances of becoming the next PA chairman have increased. link

Northern Israel, Lebanon and Syria

Lebanese official claims army dismantled ‘over 90%’ of Hezbollah infrastructure near Israel
The Lebanese army has dismantled “over 90 percent” of Hezbollah’s infrastructure near the border with Israel since a November ceasefire, a Lebanese security official says.
“We have dismantled over 90 percent of the infrastructure in the area south of the Litani,” the official, who requested anonymity as the matter is sensitive, tells AFP.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, meanwhile, said in an interview with Sky News Arabia that the army is now in control of over 85 percent of the country’s south.
The November truce deal, which ended over a year of hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel, was based on a UN Security Council resolution that says Lebanese troops and United Nations peacekeepers should be the only forces in south Lebanon. Under the deal, Hezbollah was to pull its fighters north of Lebanon’s Litani River, some 30 kilometers (20 miles) from the Israeli border, and dismantle any remaining military infrastructure to its south.
Much of Hezbollah’s robust underground infrastructure in the south has been “filled and closed” by the army, the official says. Soldiers have also reinforced their control of crossing points into the area south of the Litani “to prevent the transfer of weapons from the north of the river to the south.”
There is currently no outside confirmation of the claim.

West Bank, Jerusalem, Israel and Terror Attacks

Jerusalem Hills Fires: Three Suspects Arrested for Arson

One suspect attempted to ignite a fire in a field and was caught after a chase—found with a lighter and flammable materials. On Arab social networks, inflammatory posters were circulated calling for more fires to be set. One poster stated: "Go now and burn the forests near the settlements." Meanwhile, efforts continue to extinguish fires at various locations.
Lighter and cotton wool seized by one of the suspects Photo: Police spokeswoman

Police arrested three suspects this afternoon (Wednesday) for arson and attempted arson in the Jerusalem area. The arrests came after incendiary posters calling for more fires were shared on Arab social networks, including explicit calls to "burn the forests."
One suspect, a resident of the Um Tuba neighborhood in East Jerusalem in his 50s, was arrested after attempting to start a fire in an open field in southern Jerusalem. The suspect tried to flee from officers but was apprehended after a pursuit. A search of his belongings revealed a lighter, cotton wool, and additional flammable materials. He was taken to a police station for questioning.
Another suspect, a resident of the Shuafat refugee camp in his 20s, was arrested near the village of Beit Iksa northwest of Jerusalem. Police found him carrying matches and flammable liquids. A third suspect, a resident of East Jerusalem in his 30s, was detained in the Ein Kerem area after being spotted behaving suspiciously near a forested area.
Incendiary Posters Circulated

On social media platforms used by Arab activists, posters were shared urging further arson attacks. One such poster read: "The time has come—burn the forests near the settlements." Another stated: "The fire is our weapon." Security officials are monitoringthese platforms for additional incitement.
A huge fire in the Jerusalem mountains Photo: KKL-Junk workers and foresters

Firefighting Efforts Continue
Firefighters, aided by aircraft, are still working to contain multiple blazes in the Jerusalem Hills. Strong winds have complicated efforts, with some fires reigniting in areas previously thought under control. Several homes in the Mevaseret Zion area were evacuated as a precaution.
Police on High Alert

Authorities have increased patrols in forested areas and near settlements following intelligence indicating possible further arson attempts. "We are treating this as organized incendiary terrorism," a police spokesperson said.
Background
This wave of suspected arson comes amid heightened tensions in Jerusalem and follows a similar pattern of fire-starting during past periods of unrest. In 2016, a series of wildfires attributed to arson caused widespread damage across Israel. The three suspects are expected to appear in Jerusalem Magistrate's Court tomorrow for remand extension. Police say the investigation is ongoing and further arrests may follow.  link

Politics and the War and General News

'I knew if I didn't act, no one else would': Heroes of October 7 carry sense of mission

Civilians, police and military veterans recount how they survived the October 7 attacks—and how they’ve turned trauma into purpose; 'If I stayed alive, I have a responsibility to help others stay strong too'

Survivors and rescuers from the October 7 Hamas massacre gathered in two panels this week as part of the Voices of Valor event to share their stories of courage, heartbreak and resilience. Representing different walks of life — military veterans, civilians, police officers and festival organizers — they painted a vivid and painful portrait of a nation still grappling with trauma while forging new paths toward healing and remembrance.

Each of the panelists lived through a day of unimaginable horror when Hamas terrorists stormed Israeli communities and a music festival near the Gaza border, killing more than 1,200 people and abducting over 250 others. Their testimonies, raw and unsparing, offer a window into the defining moment that continues to shape Israel’s national psyche.

The first discussion brought together Major General (res.) Noam Tibon, attorney Oz Davidian and police officer Sgt. Maj. Ramo Alhuzeil, each of whom faced impossible odds on October 7 and chose to act.

Tibon, a decorated former general, was swimming off a Tel Aviv beach when he received a panicked WhatsApp message from his son Amir. Terrorists had infiltrated their kibbutz, Nahal Oz, just across the border from Gaza. 

"From that moment, I was on a journey—a mission—to rescue my family: Amir, his wife Miri, and my two granddaughters, Gali and Carmel. I took my pistol, and my wife drove our Jeep," he said. The Tibons raced south, bypassing police checkpoints and saving stranded survivors from the Nova music festival along the way.
Upon reaching Nahal Oz around noon, Tibon joined a beleaguered Maglan special forces unit under heavy fire. With three soldiers already killed, he seized the rifle of a fallen soldier and entered the fray, killing at least one terrorist and rescuing a wounded soldier, whom his wife transported to a hospital. Alongside other troops, Tibon helped clear the kibbutz of more than 30 Hamas fighters. 
Major General (res.) Noam Tibon (Photo: Mickey Schmidt)

"The greatest moment of my life came around 4 p.m. when I reached my son’s house. I knocked on the safe room window and said, 'Amir, it's Dad.' Then I heard my granddaughter Gali say, 'Sababa, Grandpa is here,'" he said."Even under immense pressure to save my family, I helped everyone I encountered that day—festival survivors, wounded soldiers and more than 400 people from the kibbutz."

Davidian, a civilian attorney with no military background, also found himself on an unexpected rescue mission. After receiving an alert from his sister about the Nova festival attack, he drove straight into danger. Along the way, he collected wounded and terrified young people, letting them use his phone to call home, ferrying them to safety and returning again and again to rescue others.
Attorney Oz Davidian (Photo: Mickey Schmidt)
"At one point, I mistook terrorists for Israeli soldiers and only realized my error when it was almost too late. I sped away between burning cars—and somehow, the bullets missed me," he said. "Toward evening, when I could no longer find living people, I began collecting bodies."
Sgt. Maj. Alhuzeil, a police investigator, was stationed at the Nova party for security. When rockets began raining down, Alhuzeil helped direct civilians to escape routes through the fields and fought to repel infiltrating terrorists. Risking his life repeatedly, he drove back and forth through the danger to evacuate wounded survivors. Despite pleas from his family to return home, Alhuzeil stayed on his self-assigned mission for more than 15 hours. "Each time I went in, I didn’t know if I would come out alive—but I swore an oath to protect and serve," he said.
Sgt. Maj. Ramo Alhuzeil (Photo: Mickey Schmidt)
"I did my duty as a father and grandfather," General Tibon added. "From the first moment, I knew if I didn't act, no one else would. I was on a military mission, using all my experience, training and instincts to survive and complete my mission.

"When the chain of command collapsed—when the IDF and government weren’t functioning—there were stars like these two gentlemen who risked their lives to save others."
In a second panel, survivors Nimrod Palmach, Rami Shmueli and Rita Yedid shared how the horrors they witnessed at the Nova music festival propelled them into new missions of remembrance, advocacy and healing.
Shmueli, a festival producer, returned to the devastated grounds after the massacre to search for missing persons. Disillusioned by the lack of an official response, he and others took it upon themselves to recover personal items and identify victims. "When I got home, I realized nobody was looking for our friends. Everything was chaos," he said. "From that day on, everything changed."
Rami Shmueli and Nimrod Palmach (Photo: Mickey Schmidt)
Palmach, a former CEO of the organization Israel-is, defied military orders that morning to rush southward. En route, he learned his ex-wife’s partner and daughters were trapped in Kibbutz Nir Oz. Recognizing the extent of the infiltration, Palmach expected to die. He left farewell videos for his children and threw himself into rescue efforts.
"At that point, my only motivation was to help others. I thought, if I were at the Nova party or in the kibbutz, I’d be praying for someone—anyone—to come save me. I decided to be that someone," he said. However, the guilt over those he could not save, he said, will remain with him forever.

Since the attack, Palmach has dedicated himself to telling survivors' stories internationally. He helped launch a VR initiative, Survive to Tell, bringing the reality of October 7 to American college campuses.
Yedid, who survived the festival while sheltering for hours with her 
Yedid, who survived the festival while sheltering for hours with her husband and sister, transformed her personal trauma into a mission of hope. She credits early psychological intervention with saving her life and has since become a motivational speaker. Speaking at the United Nations, Yedid advocated for immediate trauma care in mass casualty events.
"If I stayed alive, I have a responsibility to help others stay strong too," Yedid said. "Trauma doesn’t have to destroy us."
All three panelists underscored the long emotional journey survivors face. “There’s a front in Gaza, a front in Lebanon, and a front in our own hearts,” Palmach said. “We need to take care of ourselves, too.”  Link

ON RECOGNIZING THE STATE OF PALESTINE
France and the UK are searching for the appropriate way to recognize the State of Palestine without having the government of Netanyahu getting angry and doing something vengeful against two countries that are strong allies of Israel. It is time for France and the UK and all other UN member states that have not yet recognized the State of Palestine to do so - especially if they talk about the two states solution. How can you talk about two states but only recognize one of them? It is time to "put up or shut up!". The advice that I have given French and British leaders is to go ahead and recognize the State of Palestine but at the same time call for all 193 Member States of the United Nations to recognize the State of Israel. 147 UN Member states recognize Palestine and 164 recognize Israel. If countries support the two states solution they need to recognize both states now. One European leader a couple of years ago said to me: "OK we could recognize Palestine, but tell me what are the borders of Palestine?" My answer was: "You recognize Israel, tell me what are the borders of Israel. When you know the borders of Israel, you will know the borders of Palestine. Israel's borders according to you are not yet determined, but that never stopped you from recognizing Israel. So recognize Palestine now or stop talking about the two states solution". @DavidLammy, @jnbarrot, @Keir_Starmer, @EmmanuelMacron,
Dr Gershon Baskin

The Region and the World

Personal Stories

'Hearing my son's final battle, painful and a privilage,' father of fallen soldier says

Rabbi Doron Perez listened to the last 2 hours and 16 minutes of his son's life in a recording of the fighting; his family, who immigrated from South Africa, grapples with loss and uncertainty, but remain committed to bringing home all of the hostages
Rabbi Doron Perez shared with Ynetnews the heart-wrenching story of his son, Captain Daniel Perez, who was killed in the October 7 massacre while defending the border against the onslaught of Hamas terrorists. The family, which immigrated from South Africa, has long cherished the values of service and sacrifice. “We come from a very physically active family, very sporting family, very Zionistic family,” Rabbi Perez explains. “Therefore, to me it seemed clear both in terms of their ideological drive as well as their physical abilities and energies that they would probably both choose combat. They did.”

By October 7, 2023, both of Rabbi Perez's sons had committed to military service: his eldest, Yonatan, as a company commander in the paratroopers, and his youngest, Daniel, as a tank commander in the Armored Corps. “On that day, Daniel commanded a tank in the Nahal Oz outpost,” Rabbi Perez recounts, a sense of pride mingling with the sorrow in his voice.

The battle for Nahal Oz

The details of Daniel's final battle are painfully vivid, thanks to the tank's “black box,” which recorded the internal communications during the fight. “We actually know a tremendous amount,” Rabbi Perez states. “The reason we know a lot about the actual battle is because the black box of the tank... has allowed us to listen to it.” They have access to the recordings of the 2 hours and 16 minutes that Daniel and his crew fought valiantly against overwhelming odds.

“It’s one of the most painful things in the world to listen to the last 2 hours and 16 minutes of your son's life, knowing how it’s gonna end,” he reflects. “But it’s also one of the most privileged abilities to listen to how him and his tank crew fought with such commitment and conviction and unity and camaraderie.” He recalls the last half hour of the battle, where footage captured Daniel getting off the tank to assist a group of Golani sharpshooters. “This footage for us is very, very powerful,” he says. “It’s the last picture we have of Daniel alive.”

On that fateful day, Nahal Oz was the hardest-hit base, with 53 soldiers losing their lives. “They left the safety of their tank position to do everything they could to stop this wave of 50 or 60 terrorists,” Rabbi Perez explains. “They killed most of them. Unfortunately, the tank was overrun.”

For Rabbi Perez, the loss of Daniel is a wound that continues to ache. “With all the pain that our son is unfortunately deceased, the fact that they fought so heroically gives us some type of meaning, solace, and strength,” he shares. Yet, the longing for closure remains a haunting presence. “Bringing him back will be a closure that you're looking for.”

“Daniel's blood-stained uniform was found on October 8th,” he recalls. “After 5 weeks, the army came to tell us that it was Daniel's uniform and his blood... It was incredibly hard to know that Daniel had been injured.” The family had hoped for months that he was still alive. “I must say, the following... it was the worst day of my life, but I just wanna say... at least we have a grave.”

Rabbi Perez finds himself connected to families who are still searching for their loved ones. “I know friends of mine who are soldiers... said to me, Doron, you and others have got a grave to go to. We don’t even have a grave,” he laments.

A bond forged in tragedy: Families of the tank crew

Matan Angrest, the sole survivor of Daniel's tank crew, remains in the hands of Hamas. “The Angrest family have become to us like family,” Rabbi Perez shares. “The knowledge that… he for 2.5 hours... was talking to Daniel. He's the only one also who knows what happened in the tank.”

The destruction at the Nahal Oz military base

The bond formed through shared tragedy has deepened their resolve. “We are incredibly pained and active... to do all we can to bring Matan and all of the hostages back,” he states. “I know what it's like to go through 163 days believing your son's alive. This family [the Angrest family]... knows that their son is alive and God knows what he's going through there.”

Despite the overwhelming grief, Rabbi Perez remains focused on honoring the legacy of his son and supporting the families of other fallen soldiers and hostages. “We hope and pray that all of our soldiers who lost their lives will be remembered, and every single one of our hostages will come back as soon as possible,” he said. link

Acronyms and Glossary

COGAT - Coordination of Government Activities in the Territories

ICC - International Criminal Court in the Hague

IJC - International Court of Justice in the Hague

IPS - Israel Prison System

MDA - Magen David Adom - Israel Ambulance Corp

PA - Palestinian Authority - President Mahmud Abbas, aka Abu Mazen

PMO- Prime Minister's Office

UAV - Unmanned Aerial vehicle, Drone. Could be used for surveillance and reconnaissance, or be weaponized with missiles or contain explosives for 'suicide' explosion mission

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