On the first day of the war, I lost my son, Golani officer Ori Mordechai Shani, of blessed memory. I am one of hundreds of parents whose hearts have been pierced by the sword of grief. And yet — even after many long months of unrelenting pain — there is no war more just than this one.
From the bottomless pit of loss that will never be filled, I write to you — members of the government, the IDF chief of staff, and the soldiers of the Israel Defense Forces — with a clear message: you must finish the mission.
The State of Israel is entering the decisive stage — Operation “Gideon’s Chariots.” This is a test not only of the army, but of the nation. A test of faith, of identity, of resolve. But above all, it is a test of spirit. And that spirit lies within you — in the sand, in the smoke, in the sweat, in your eyes. We trust you. We stand behind you. We are proud of you.
Our sons and daughters fell bravely so that we may live here with pride. They went into battle to restore security to Israel’s citizens and to bring the hostages home — the same hostages still trapped in the depths of hell, for whom there is no other path to salvation but relentless, determined military pressure until Hamas surrenders.
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Eradication. A National Imperative.
Hamas must be destroyed. Not as a slogan, but as a national mission of the highest order. If we stop now — if we falter — it will mean our sons’ blood was spilled in vain, that the price we paid was meaningless. As a bereaved father, I cannot, will not, and refuse to accept that.
Yehoshua ShaniPhoto: Tair SchwartzSoldiers, commanders, reservists, and those on the home front — you carry on your shoulders the hope of an entire nation. All of Israel is watching you. The people expect, plead, and demand victory. Not a vague outcome, not a partial achievement — but true victory. One that ensures our loved ones did not die in vain. That their sacrifice bore fruit. That our country becomes once again a safe, proud, and just place.
In the name of the fallen, in the name of the families, in the name of our children — we say to you: do not let up. Do not waver. Keep going — with pride, with faith, with the righteousness of our cause. We have no other country, and we won’t get a second chance to win this war.
You are the heroes of us all.
Yehoshua Shani is the father of Capt. Ori Mordechai Shani, of blessed memory, and the chairman of the Heroism Forum.