‘You will think I’m crazy, but only those who have experienced this war can truly understand me.’

By Hezy Laing

Ynet recently shared an incredible story of bravery in the IDF.

Lt. A, an officer in the IDF’s Engineering Corps, has survived five direct RPG hits yet continues to insist on returning to combat.

On October 7th, Lt. A was stationed at the Kerem Shalom outpost when Hamas launched its surprise attack.

He and his platoon engaged in intense firefights, including grenade assaults and close-range gun battles.

At the same time the base was pummeled by mortar shells and missiles coming from the Strip. In that encounter Lt. A escaped unharmed.

He was less lucky during operations in Khan Younis in January 2024, at the beginning of the ground maneuver in the Gaza Strip.

At that time Lt. A was wounded by an RPG fired from just 30 meters away. He suffered shrapnel injuries and was hospitalized.

While he was lying in the hospital, he thought to himself, “What do I do next?

“All the memories of October 7th were in my head, and I realized that it was stronger than me and I had to return.”

After a month of rehabilitation, Lt. A rejoined his unit and was later appointed deputy company commander.

In the months that followed, he was hit by three more RPGs — miraculously escaping serious harm each time.

But the next one made contact. In October of 2024, he was hit and taken to hospital yet again. “All my legs were full of shrapnel,” he says.

Yet even now he plans to again return to the fight.

In a conversation with his family in the hospital, he told them, “You will think I’m crazy, but only those who have experienced it and truly understand the meaning of this war can understand me.”

“There are many others like me. I am part of a lot of fighters who returned to the fight after being injured, because we understand what’s out there, and that we need and can give more.”

Lt. A’s story has become a symbol of resilience and dedication within the IDF, inspiring both soldiers and civilians during one of Israel’s most challenging military campaigns.