My unit is like a family. When they rejoice, I rejoice, and when they hurt, I hurt as well. This past week, the unit that I served in was hit with two serious terrorist attacks. One of these attacks left nine injured and required an emergency c-section to deliver a baby, who unfortunately did not survive after a four-day battle for his life. The second, and for us former Netzach Yehuda chayalim, an even more personal terror strike, left two of our brothers dead and one in critical condition.
The details of the attacks are already well known, but the effect on the rest of the platoon is where I and a handful of other veteran chayalim in Netzach Yehuda 97th Battalion stepped in. Though we may have finished our service in the army, our relationship with our brothers currently serving couldn’t be stronger or more crucial. As such, we felt it necessary to be there for them at this difficult time.
We attended funerals last week, but this week we decided we must go visit our soldier brothers, lift up their spirits and show them they are not alone. This is what it means to be a part of the Netzach Yehuda family. Tonight, a few of us veterans came together, purchased food and drove to Beit El and made a barbecue for the soldiers. They could not have been more thankful—not just for the food, but for the show of support, caring and understanding. The hugs came in bunches and the “thank yous” in waves.
I myself could not be prouder or more thankful to be a part of this religious unit of Netzach Yehuda that stands guard in Yehuda and the Shomron. We will be strong and get through this difficult time. We will do it together. This message was clear between all of the soldiers currently serving and ourselves. May Hashem protect them and all of klal Yisrael.
Akiva Pudell is a former Teaneck resident. He made aliyah in July 2018 after serving for two years in a combat unit in the Netzach Yehuda Battalion. He lives with his wife in Givat Shmuel. For more information about Netzach Yehuda go to NahalHaredi.org.
By Akiva Pudell
