(Day 567) Swords of Iron – “Alive, But Missing An Arm”

Chaim starts by talking about Asaf Cafri, a soldier in a unit that served alongside the Ya’alom Combat Engineering unit that he is part of who was killed in action over the weekend. Chaim says a Hamas sniper got him as he was standing in the turret of his tank. Three other crew members of that same tank were also wounded in the incident, which occurred in a buffer zone that’s been set up by the IDF inside Gaza to keep Hamas away from the border with Israel.

One of Chaim’s comrades in Ya’alom was also hit in the incident and will lose his arm. Chaim went to visit him in the hospital and said that he’s strong and will not be defeated by this wound.

Chaim also mentions that PA Chairman Mahmoud Abbas called Hamas “sons of dogs” and demanded that they release the remaining hostages so that this war will end. Many Gazans are now openly protesting against Hamas, saying that they caused all this needless death and suffering.

In this context, Chaim quotes Psalms 35:1-4; Plead my cause, O Lord, with those who strive with me; Fight against those who fight against me. Take hold of shield and buckler, and stand up for my help. Also draw out the spear, and stop those who pursue me. Say to my soul, “I am your salvation.” Let those be put to shame and brought to dishonor who seek after my life; Let those be turned back and brought to confusion who plot my hurt.

He concludes by thanking the supporters of the Aliyah Return Center who sent beef jerky and other snacks so it could be given to the soldiers.