‘We’re holding the line, but ammo’s low. We need backup now!’

By Hezy Laing

Captain Ori Mordechai Shani, a platoon commander in the IDF’s Golani Brigade, was killed in a heroic final battle on October 7, 2023, during Hamas’s surprise invasion near Kibbutz Kissufim.

His story has become a symbol of courage, leadership, and sacrifice.

Born in Kiryat Arba and trained in the elite Egoz unit, before becoming an officer, Ori was known for his courage, intellect, and deep sense of duty.

At the outbreak of the attack, Ori and five of his soldiers were on a routine patrol near the border.

As the invasion began, they found themselves vastly outnumbered, underequipped, with limited ammunition and water.

Despite this, Ori led his team into combat, engaging Hamas terrorists for over eight hours.

Military assessments describe intense close-quarters combat in which Ori’s unit held off repeated waves of attackers.

Captain Ori Shani and his small team of soldiers reportedly killed dozens of Hamas fighters during the October 7 battle near the Kissufim outpost.

Their actions were part of a broader defensive effort that helped prevent further infiltration into Israeli territory.

The radio communications between IDF fighters were raw and urgent — capturing the chaos, courage, and heartbreak of that day.

These transmissions, now partially released and analyzed, reveal how soldiers coordinated under fire, called for reinforcements, and tried to maintain composure amid overwhelming odds.

Ori’s voice over the radio remained calm and commanding, even as chaos unfolded.

Throughout the day, Ori’s unit relayed positional updates and enemy movements, using short, clipped phrases like: “Terrorists breaching from the east fence—cover the gate!”

“We’re holding the line, but ammo’s low. We need backup now!”

“We’re down to last mags—fallback to the shelter!”

One of the most haunting lines came when one of Ori’s soldiers, under heavy fire and low on ammunition, called out, “No one’s answering on the net. We’re alone.”

His brother, Yishai, later revealed that Ori had texted him during the battle: “Pray for us, we have no ammo, no water.”

At 3:26 p.m., Yishai asked for a sign of life, and Ori replied simply: “Still alive.”

After killing numerous terrorists, Ori guided his soldiers back to the Kissufim outpost to resupply.

Tragically, as they reached the base, they were hit by mortar fire, and Ori was killed instantly alongside Sergeant Reem Batito.

Ori was posthumously promoted to captain, and buried on Mount Herzl in Jerusalem.

He left behind his wife Miriam, their infant son Roi, his parents, and six siblings.

His family later found a selfie taken with his soldiers at 9:56 a.m. on the day of the attack—a final image of camaraderie and resolve.

His family later found notebooks filled with reflections on service and sacrifice, including the line, “What do the people of Israel need the most from me now?”

Ori’s legacy lives on not only through his family’s tributes—like the library they’re building in his honor—but also through the enduring inspiration he provides to soldiers and civilians alike.

His final battle was not just a fight for survival—it was a testament to leadership, love of country, and unwavering spirit.