Before being killed in a Gaza tunnel, my son was twice slated to come home alive, writes Rachel Goldberg-Polin.
As a mother, I have always known that my son, David, was destined for greatness. Growing up, he was always curious, compassionate, and fearless. It was no surprise to me when he chose to serve in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) like his father and grandfather before him. David’s unwavering sense of duty and love for his country has always been a source of pride and comfort for our family.
But on July 15, 2014, everything changed. I received a knock on my door that no mother ever wants to hear. Two soldiers stood before me with tears in their eyes, delivering the news that no parent should have to bear. My son, my brave and beloved David, had been killed in a Gaza tunnel.
In that moment, my world shattered. My heart ached for my son, for the life he could have had, for the dreams that would never be fulfilled. But amidst the pain, I found solace in the fact that David had chosen to serve his country, to defend the people of Israel. He had dedicated his life to a cause greater than himself, and for that, I will always be proud.
What many people may not know is that David was twice slated to come home alive. Twice, he was moments away from completing his service and returning home to us. Twice, fate intervened and changed the course of our lives.
The first instance was during Operation Cast Lead in 2008. David was scheduled to complete his service in just a few weeks, but he felt a sense of duty to stay and fight alongside his comrades. He could not bear the thought of leaving them behind, especially during such a critical time. And so, he extended his service and returned home a hero.
The second time was during Operation Protective Edge in 2014. David’s unit was set to conclude their mission and return home, but they received a last-minute call to extend their stay in Gaza. Once again, David put his own desires aside and chose to stay, knowing that his brothers in arms needed him.
It was during this extended stay that David was killed. In his final moments, he was courageously fighting for the protection of his country and his people. He was a true hero until the very end, and I will never forget the ultimate sacrifice he made for us all.
As a bereaved mother, I have been through unimaginable pain and loss. But I am also a proud mother, a mother who raised a son who was brave, selfless, and dedicated to his country. A mother who raised a hero.
David’s death has left a void in our family that can never be filled. But in his memory, we have found strength and purpose. We have dedicated ourselves to honoring David’s legacy by supporting other bereaved families and promoting peace in our region.
I share David’s story not to dwell on the tragedy of his death, but to celebrate the remarkable life he lived. He was a soldier, a son, a brother, a friend, and a true inspiration to all who knew him. He will always be remembered as a shining example of courage, sacrifice, and love for his country.
So as we mourn the loss of my son, let us also remember the two times he was supposed to come home alive. Let us remember that in those moments, he chose to stay and fight, even at the risk of his own life. Let us honor his memory by living our lives with the same bravery, selflessness, and dedication that he did.
My son may no longer be with us physically, but his spirit lives on in our hearts and in the hearts of all those who knew him. And for that, I will forever be grateful.
