Among the fallen in Monday's tragic incident in Gaza was Sergeant Major Elkana Vizel, 35, a resident of Bnei Dekalim. Vizel, married to Galit and a father of four, worked as a teacher at the Naom School in Bnei Dekalim, where his wife also works, and on Tuesday, just hours after he was killed, it emerged that he had prepared a letter ahead of time for the event that he is killed in battle.
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"If you are reading these words, something probably happened to me. First of all, in case I was captured by Hamas, I demand that no deal be made to release any terrorist in order to release me. Our overwhelming victory is more important than anything, so please – just press ahead with all the force until our victory is as overwhelming as possible," he wrote in the letter that was retrieved with his body.
The letter continues: "Maybe I fell in battle. When a soldier falls in battle it is sad. But I ask you to be happy. Don't be sad when you part from me. Sing a lot, plant in hearts, hold each other's hands, and strengthen one another. We have so much to be excited and happy about – we are the generation of Jewish redemption! We are writing the most meaningful moments in the history of our people and of the whole world. So please be optimistic. Keep choosing life all the time – a life of love, hope, purity, and optimism."
Video: Elkana Vizel with singer Avraham Fried
He continues with the same theme of celebrating life rather than mourning his death:
"Look into the eyes of your loved ones and remind them that everything they experience in this life is worth it and that they have a lot to live for. Live! Don't stop for a moment the intensities of life! In Operation Protective Edge I was already wounded. I had the choice to stay behind, but I don't regret for a moment returning to be a fighter. On the contrary, it's the best decision I ever made."
Itamar, Elkana's twin brother, wrote this morning on Facebook: "The heart refuses to believe the words I'm writing. My twin brother Elkana Vizel is no more. He fell heroically in battle yesterday in the Gaza Strip."
Shuki Shomron, his friend, wrote on Facebook: "Rabbi Elkana taught with me at the school in Bnei Dekalim. A very sweet and talented man, kind-hearted, and an excellent friend. I was also privileged to go running with him sometimes, just him and me in the beautiful hills of our area."
Vizel's funeral was at 2:00 PM in the military cemetery on Mount Herzl in Jerusalem.
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