Known as Israel’s eyes on the Gaza border, units of young female soldiers sit in surveillance bases for hours, looking for signs of anything suspicious. On October 7, Ariella was one of them. During a visit to SAR HS where she spoke to 11th graders, Ariella described her experiences as an IDF border observer (tatzpitaniyot) serving at Kissufim, several hundred yards from the border of Gaza. She shared the horrors of that day, but also the faith, integrity and bravery she witnessed. After her speech, the juniors each thanked Ariella individually for sharing her story.

“I found the entirety of Ariella’s speech to be so moving,” said Emma H. “I was especially struck when she mentioned how, on the night of October 6 until the morning of the 7, her unit (despite being non-observant) came together for a Simchat Torah meal and celebration until 5:30 in the morning. They had no way of knowing that this would be their last time together for most of them.” She added, “In her talk, she urged us to appreciate every moment with others and love everyone for who they are because you only have one life. I felt extremely touched by her speech because she gave me a new understanding of the importance of appreciating and embracing the small moments in life and to never take anything for granted.”

All of the students were equally moved. “It was very meaningful to hear the various ways that she was carrying on the legacy of her friends,” said Elie F., “and she invited us all to join her in improving ourselves in their memories.”