A Battalion Commander’s speech on the morning of Oct 7
Watching this video gives me chills. Not only because I know I’m watching one of the most legendary pre-battle speeches in Israeli history, but because I remember standing there, listening to that moment, as if it were yesterday.
The man speaking is Lieutenant Colonel Meir Karmi, commander of the 71st Reserve Paratrooper Battalion (yes, the same 71st battalion that reunited Jerusalem during the Six-Day War). The men standing around him are the soldiers of the 71st, who just an hour or two before that were home with their families on Simchat Torah morning.
Lieutenant Colonel Karmi did not receive army permission to officially call up his battalion that morning, so he proceeded to send us messages on WhatsApp, telling us to hurry to base anyway. We said goodbye to our families, grabbed our gear, and showed up, not knowing what was going on or what to expect. With little understanding of what exactly was happening in Southern Israel, most of us were relaxed, business as usual. We said hi to our friends, made Turkish coffee, and waited in lines to sign on weapons; some of us not even bothering to put on our uniforms yet. What we needed was a slap in the face; someone to tell us what was happening and how desperately we were needed.
Our commander, Karmi, ordered everyone to gather in a circle around him, and delivered that message exactly as it needed to be delivered. Everyone kicked into high gear after that, and the 71st Battalion proceeded to drive south to Kfar Aza, where we fought Hamas for 3 days, witnessed unspeakable scenes of horror, and saved over 50 lives. We had a crucial role to play, and thanks to our brave battalion commander and Hashem above, we were able to play it.
Today, on October 7th, 2024, let us ensure we never forget what our enemies did to us—and what they wish to continue doing. Let us honor the sacrifices of the brave men and women who fell in battle that day, giving their lives for our security and future, and sanctifying God’s name. Let us also remember those who were injured, both physically and mentally, bearing the scars of this ongoing conflict.
Let us respect and appreciate those who are still fighting, as we persist in our war for security and survival, in both the South and now the North. Let us remember our hostages, keep them in our thoughts, and pray for their swift return. Together, let us pray for better times for the Jewish people, everywhere in the world. May we merit a future of peace, safety, and prosperity in the year ahead.