A Hero Until the End: The Story of Ben Bronstein

Sixty-four residents of Kfar Aza lost their lives in the surprise attack by Hamas on Simchat Torah. Sixty-four worlds that once were and now aren't, leaving so many stories and endless longing. However, not everyone knows that there could have been tragically many more casualties if not for the courageous actions of the soldiers who fought face-to-face against hundreds of terrorists entrenched in the kibbutz. One of them was Ben Bronstein, a commander in the Duvdevan Unit, who sacrificed his life for the residents.

It's challenging to find time for a conversation with Nir Bronstein, Ben's father, in these days. This period marks one year since his son's passing, and his schedule is filled to the brim.

He moves between different events where he speaks about Ben and his heroism and also supports the writing of a Torah scroll dedicated in his memory, started just last week. He also attends several memorials for Ben's soldiers who fell after him. "Busy days," he says with sorrow. Yet, he never considers skipping any events. "This is our opportunity to commemorate Ben and his great deeds," he clarifies, "his large heart, captivating smile, and endless giving. All the things we knew during his life, enriched by countless stories after his passing. We want to perpetuate all these so they're never forgotten."

(Photo: Courtesy of the family)

(Photo: Courtesy of the family)

(Photo: Courtesy of the family)

A Commander Till the Last Moment

"Ben was part of a commando brigade in the Duvdevan Unit," Ben's father shares. "He served as a company commander and also held roles in the Givati Brigade's Shaked Battalion. He trained countless fighters, many of whom are now active in the field, inspired by him and leading the efforts."

Bronstein reflects on Simchat Torah, the day the attack began: "On Friday, the eve of Simchat Torah, Ben surprised us by coming home. We had a little time with him before he requested, 'Dad, iron my uniform; we have operations tomorrow.' That was his plan – to head out for operational activity the following day. However, early that morning, while at his girlfriend Adi's house, he was called to the south. In those early hours, none of us understood what was happening, not even within Israel, as the magnitude of the event was unclear.

"In hindsight, we learned he was initially sent to Hodaya Junction, and there's even video of him, two hours before he was killed, briefing soldiers, appearing calm and confident. From the junction, around nine AM, his team was dispatched to Kfar Aza, where over one hundred Nu'khaba terrorists awaited them. Ben ordered his driver to plow through them to scatter the terrorists while the soldiers exited the vehicle to engage them face-to-face. They succeeded in eliminating the terrorists and then received orders to clear homes and rescue the kibbutz residents and their children, guiding them to gathering points. Ben was ambushed by terrorists between the third and fourth house. He was struck by a bullet that pierced his shoulder and went straight to his heart. At 11:07 AM, he reported over the radio: 'Black has been hit,' and went to rest."

It seems he remained a leader to his very last breath...

"Exactly. Ben was a commander in every sense, not just a leader but a beloved one, able to speak as equals with every soldier, seeing and understanding each one. He would tell his soldiers at every military ceremony: 'For a nation to live a normal life, a few of us must live an abnormal one.' This saying is engraved on Ben's tombstone and commemorated in a song written in his honor. If you wish, this embodies everything that characterized him."

(Photo: Courtesy of the family)

(Photo: Courtesy of the family)

(Photo: Courtesy of the family)

"Holding Strong in Our Trial"

How is life a year after Ben's passing?

"The pain never fades for a moment; the longing persists every second; the hole in the heart will never heal or recover," Bronstein answers earnestly. "We're forced to learn to live with the new title 'bereaved family,' and it's a daily, hourly challenge. But we also strive to choose life, as much as possible.

"One of the insights I've come to this past year is that it's okay to hurt, to cry, and to miss, but not to fall into the deep abyss of mourning, because by falling, I would essentially be letting our enemies win. So, amidst all the difficulties, I try to keep choosing life. I do this for myself and also for my wife and kids. And yes, it truly is very difficult."

They also engage in various activities in Ben's memory. "We established a website named 'Ben Bronstein, Ben's Story,' where we post segments in his memory and documentation of the special person he was. Recently, we began the process of writing a Torah scroll in his honor, while simultaneously leading a campaign for contributions to its cost. It was very moving this week when a respectful ceremony took place in our home, during which the first letter was written. And yes, Ben left behind inspiring stories we will all carry forever – how he always saw the weaker ones in front of him, viewed all soldiers as equals, and consistently gave of himself for everyone."

How do you manage to remember Ben without descending into the pain? It sounds like a contradiction...

"True, it's a thin line, but those who knew Ben know that was precisely his essence – addressing every issue with depth and seriousness, yet moving forward, choosing continuity and action.

"And yes, there is also the power of faith that helps us," says Bronstein, and in this context, he wishes to quote his wife Miri, who underwent a significant strengthening process over the past year and wrote these words in Ben's memory. Here's what she wrote:

My Benjamin..

One year...

Can you believe, my child, that we haven't spoken for a whole year?

A whole year without bursting with laughter with you

A whole year without consulting you

A whole year without tucking you in at night

A whole year without waiting for a message from you

A year of no messages from you

'Mom, I love you, please don't worry.'.

A whole year without a knock on the door from you

A whole year, my child..

A year of not boasting that your dimples are from me..

A year where sibling time isn't the same, with Shiko and Nuki searching for you, maybe today you'll surprise us and come?

A year that Dad hasn’t ironed your uniform and kissed it.

A whole year without you asking for strawberries and cream, even if it's not the season..

A year we're supposed to settle for the scent remaining on your uniforms.

Benjamin,

There are those whom Hashem chose, chose to be close to Him, chose them to be messengers for all of Israel, and you are one of them, my child.

You brought about peace and love across all layers of the people

You made disputes disappear completely

You inspired unparalleled giving in the hearts of the people

You strengthened genuine faith in all of us

Thanks to you, Benjamin, and all the holy ones with you who gave their lives

and saved the country from conquest

All of Israel became one hand, and one heart of Israel.

A whole year I've asked, and what about Benjamin... what about me, Benjamin ... how could you not think of me..

And I realize that a brave child like you

comes only from a brave mother.

The mother chosen to receive a special soul like yours, to raise it

with devotion, and when the Creator asked for the soul back, He received

you - my perfect Benjamin.

The mother chosen from millions of Jewish mothers to stand in the toughest trial in the world, to inherit

the soul destined to be in Rabbi Akiva's hall.

The mother chosen to undergo Abraham's trial,

to bind a child and be part of a nation's revival ..

The mother who earned her holy of her own – my beloved Benjamin.

To all the brave and holy mothers

Let's hold strong, my beloveds, together in the ultimate trial, the trial of our Mother Sarah

Stand tall, my beloveds... you are mothers of the holy..

We will be rewarded soon with complete salvation

for a nation so worthy of it!