The Forgotten Soldiers in the Forgotten War

As the third anniversary of the October 7 massacres approaches, I find myself on my eleventh tour of duty in reserves with my PALMAR medical extraction unit. Most of my time has been spent on the Gaza and Lebanon fronts, alongside men and women who have sacrificed countless days of reserve duty, often at great personal cost. Yet, as our country still faces the aftermath of the unprovoked terrorist attack and crucial elections, we can’t help but feel like the forgotten soldiers in the forgotten war.

Our unit’s mission is clear: to extract and treat wounded soldiers on the battlefield. Despite what the United States administration and Israeli government may claim, the war is far from over. Hezbollah remains entrenched in Lebanon, Hamas in Gaza, and the influence of the Islamic Republic of Iran looms large. The situation mirrors Mark Twain’s famous quote, “Reports of my death are greatly exaggerated.”

In a small country like Israel, the front lines are never far away. It’s a surreal experience to be in battle, weighed down by body armour and adrenaline, fighting for our lives and our homeland, only to drive a short distance and see life carrying on as usual. People sip espressos in cafes, children attend school, and workers commute to their jobs. While this is precisely what we are fighting to protect, the contrast is almost unfathomable.

Our unit’s psychologists often counsel us on how to cope with this stark reality. Our spouses, children and friends barely see us, students struggle to balance studies with service, and self-employed soldiers deplete their savings to fulfil their duty. The emotional and economic strain on serving soldiers has been immense for nearly three years.

Many of us are repeatedly called back to duty because there are tens of thousands of draft-eligible citizens who evade service, refusing to bear the national burden. The disparity is glaring: some sacrifice, give, and pay the ultimate price, while others shirk their responsibilities and take from the government. Every soldier in my unit, and indeed all who have answered the call of duty, are patriots who honourably serve our country and people. I firmly believe that the future of the Jewish people will unfold in Israel, and I am committed to being a part of that future.

However, we must address the issue of unequal service distribution. This disparity must be a focal point in the upcoming elections. The reservists, enduring endless months and indeed years of reserve duty, are grappling with profound emotional and physical exhaustion. We cannot continue to be the forgotten soldiers in the forgotten war.

It is time for our nation to recognise and rectify the imbalance in service, ensuring that all citizens bear their fair share of the burden. Our sacrifices should not be overlooked or undervalued. We stand ready to defend our homeland, but we also deserve the support and acknowledgment of a grateful nation.

–

Dr. Tuvia Book currently serving on IDF reserve duty.  He is the author of  Heroes of Palmar: How one IDF Unit Revolutionized Combat Medicine in Gaza.  It is published by Gefen Publishing House and is available either from gefen.com or Amazon.com.  He also authored  “For the Sake of Zion, A Curriculum of Israel Education” and “Jewish Journeys” books on both the First Temple and Second Temple periods (Koren).  In addition, Tuvia is a much sought after public speaker and is a Ministry of Tourism licensed Tour Guide, Jewish educator and a Judaica artist. www.booktuvia.com.