Our Diverse Fallen

Colonel Ehsan Daqsa was killed in Jabalia. He was uniformly praised in the army and the media. We were told he was a Druze from Daliyat HaCarmel, a city where young men are raised with an intense sense of duty, and higher-than-average enlistment in combat units. Col. Daqsa was said to be a leader who led from the front, a humble man who led by example. It was a moment for the mainstream media to point out that this man served the country proudly, despite the “national law” passed several years ago that demoted him to second-class citizen. They stumbled all over their tongues pointing out the loyalty of Druze in his part of the county to the state, to the sacrifices they have made in this war. Just stopping short of reminding us that the uniform is the same, no matter who wears it.

In fact, this man, who was apparently promoted to a leadership position due to competence, rather than sharp elbows, stood in stark contrast to our so-called leaders, who do not even lead from behind. They do not so much even push as kick. As cowardly as Daqsa was apparently brave, they hide behind their safe dais in Jerusalem, putting on an act of steely steadfastness, while their words send more to die. They promise revenge for a drone that neared the prime minister’s residence, even though no one was endangered – an act that could bring further revenge on us all.

Reservist Sgt. Major Yishai Netanel Greenbaum died of wounds sustained in Lebanon in the beginning of the month. The father of four, who wore a micro-kippa atop his sandy locks, was from Lod. What was not reported: Arab women in Lod had prayed day and night for his recovery. Yishai was a social worker in the city – one who specialized in dealing with violence. The Arab women who had turned to him found him receptive, a man who put himself out to help them – a true rarity among the jaded, underpaid, Hebrew-speaking population of social workers in Lod. Greenbaum was apparently that unique person who only saw people in need – not their ethnic group, religion or gender.

In a final act of giving, his family donated his kidneys, helping others to live.

Sgt. Elishai Young, just 19, from Dimona, was killed in Northern Gaza. Young was a member of the community who apparently now call themselves “Hebrews,” having dropped the “Black.” Founded by American Blacks who practiced their own form of Judaism, the group began moving to Israel in 1969, settling in the desert town of Dimona. Despite the fact the fact that vegans all over Tel Aviv and northern Israel enjoy their tofu-based products and singers from the community have performed on every stage, the country began a push several years ago to deport them.

Young, born in Israel, was every bit as Israeli as the other young men killed in IDF actions this week. “Our young men will continue to serve in the army,” said a community leader to the news reporter. “They are born in Israel. It is their country.”

I can only hope that if there is a lesson to be learned from these deaths, it will not be one of bravery on the battlefield or serving one’s country. I hope we will see in these three men a vision of an amazing mix of cultures, religious beliefs and people, a diverse, inclusive rainbow of people who have the power to make this a wonderful place to live. I hope we can all learn to see people – people in need, people who work to help – rather than people of our own group or of another.

Some of the women in Lod who prayed for Yishai agonized aloud whether his family would be receptive to women in hijabs coming to pay their respects. I hope, against hope, that we can return to a place where this is not even an issue. And I hope, if someone in Yishai’s family hears of their reluctance, they will follow his example and welcome them into their midst.

May their memories be blessed.