A War Worth Fighting

Hi. My name is Sam. I am a proud IDF soldier, I was in Gaza, and I want you all to know: I hate war.

Not to be misconstrued — I do not regret my participation in the war. Israel’s response to Hamas’s horrific October 7th attacks was more than justified: it was deeply necessary, both practically and morally. Like any other nation, Israel has not just the right to defend its people, but an obligation to do so. The enemy, Hamas, has sworn to commit these atrocities again and again. For the sake of all its citizens — Jewish, Muslim, and Christian alike — Israel must destroy this threat and bring our hostages home.

That being said: while I knew we were right to be in Gaza, I still hated every second of it. I hated every second of being shot at; of being ambushed by terrorists; of having RPG’s explode around us. The IDF’s reputation is that of strong, proud, “fighting Jews”, who will do anything it takes to protect their country. It’s a deserved reputation: that’s who we are. But there’s more to it than that.

People don’t see the moment of shock-and-freeze when you realize you are being ambushed. They can’t understand that moment before you spring to action: the clarity that comes with saying the shema, as your last declaration of life, in case you are killed.

They don’t read the letters we write to our families, in case we fall in battle; They don’t see the tears that stain the pages. The utter trauma; the exhaustion of fighting; the constant worry for our friends’ lives. We feel this all. We are humans too.

I promise you that we don’t want this war. We don’t want to kill people, and we certainly don’t want to be killed. We have never wanted this war. It was brought to us. We want peace so badly. Just give us peace, and there will be peace! And if you won’t give us peace, and we must fight against our will, we will do just that. Because sometimes peace must be fought for.

I am Sam. I am a proud IDF soldier who fought in Gaza. I wish to never have to war again. I hate the war. But even more, I hate the long history of Jews being targeted and killed for being Jewish. So long as innocent lives are on the line, we must protect them. Peace for all.

This video was edited by Omry Hananya, with consultation from Sam Fried and Alex Horn.