Simchas Torah morning was hard. My wife didn’t want me to go to shul, but I was insistent. I knew I needed to be there. The rockets fell like rain, and the sirens howled continuously.
The night before, our teens enjoyed a lively meal and davening with hakafos, candy, singing, and dancing. I’d promised them more in the morning. So I got dressed to head out, trying to ignore the shrieking alarms. I was lacing up my shoes when a car pulled up outside my house. This car would ultimately save my life.
Five twenty-somethings piled out of the car. They were dirty, their eyes puffy, and their words blended into a chaotic cacophony.
“What happened?” I finally asked. “I don’t understand what you’re saying!”
“Terrorists have invaded the country,” they cried. “Please keep us safe! Our friends were killed and kidnapped. Please!”
I ushered them into my home and locked the doors. There we stayed until the end of chag, until we were told it was safe to come out again; until we could read the news and text our friends and learn of the atrocities ourselves - and also, to hear about miracles.
Zacky* was one of those miracles. He was patrolling with four other soldiers. They were aware of the situation, and were on the lookout for terrorists. But no one knew the terrorists’ exact locations, and no one could have warned Zacky not to take the road he did.
By the time the boys noticed the danger, it was too late. Guns were pointed and bullets were flying. Zacky and his friends channeled every ounce of training they’d ever received and focused on defeating their enemy. The boys shot and fought and dodged and prayed. Zacky whispered Shema, focusing on each word while he struggled to defend himself. Against all odds, Zacky watched the final enemy fall.
“Zacky - you’ve been hit!” one of his men shouted.
Zacky looked down at his stomach, where a small pool of red was spreading. The soldiers were well trained, and rushed Zacky to the hospital. He called me from his hospital bed.
“Do you know where I can get tefillin?” he asked me. “Mine were destroyed!”
“Of course!” I responded.
Today, we’re focused on gathering supplies, handing out snacks, and replenishing stocks for any army bases we can. These boys are the reason we can live freely, and we’ll do anything to make sure they’re taken care of.
