"The Enlighteners": Heroic and Inspiring Bravery in the Depths of Gaza Strip

A brave man passes away, and his true name and deeds remain hidden from the public: At the beginning of the current week, Lt. Col. M was killed by live fire from Hamas terrorists. His very decision to embark on the complex mission, and his bold performance when the operation became complicated, make him, despite the many concealed details, a bright and illuminated figure.

Many details about what happened on that painful night remain shrouded in secrecy. Even the full name of the hero who gave his life for us has not been released to the public. Lt. Col. M, this name will be forever engraved in the blood-soaked history of the Jewish people. A mysterious and secretive name, adding much to the painful mourning he left behind.

The Decision That Cost a Life

Lt. Col. M went on the mission to save the lives of Israeli citizens, and thus fell in his duty. According to details reported last night (Tuesday) on Channel 2 News, a story of bright heroism emerges. From the few details allowed to be disclosed, it appears that Lt. Col. M exposed himself to enemy fire to enable his team to charge at the terrorists.

The force was exposed deep within the territory, and the fighters attempted to retreat back to Israeli territory but found themselves surrounded by Palestinian terrorists.

Lt. Col. M made a dramatic decision that cost him his life, but thanks to this, he saved the lives of his teammates. He fired first to protect his fellows, despite knowing he would immediately be exposed. In this way, he allowed his companions to leap from the vehicle to assault the terrorists. Lt. Col. M absorbed all the fire and was killed.

Another officer jumped after him from the vehicle, and after assaulting the terrorists and killing three of them, attempted to reach the vehicle to retrieve Lt. Col. M. During the attempt, the officer was hit by terrorist fire and was critically injured.

With *siyata dishmaya*, alongside an Air Force envelope that included fighter jets, a helicopter managed to reach almost to them. The combatants all leaped into the helicopter and managed to escape to Israeli territory, along with a casualty and an injured person. How painful. How much bravery and enlightenment under the veil of darkness in the terrorist-laden Gaza Strip.

Illuminating Heroism

The tale of Lt. Col. M's heroism, whose brave act saved the lives of his unit comrades, reminds us of the heroic deed of Ro'i Klein, may Hashem avenge his blood. As remembered, during the Second Lebanon War, in a blood-soaked battle in the town of Bint Jbeil in southern Lebanon, Major Ro'i Klein, may Hashem avenge his blood, was killed.

Klein's act of heroism is eternally etched in our annals: He leaped on a grenade to shield his soldiers with his body, while reciting "Shema Yisrael, Hashem Elokeinu, Hashem Echad." Through his heroic act, he saved many lives.

Lt. Col. M, like Ro'i Klein, also left behind a widow and two sons. Their self-sacrifice for the people of Israel turned them into heroes and illuminating figures. We will never know the true identity of the anonymous Lt. Col. M, and we cannot convey our condolences and gratitude to his widow and orphans for his heroism. For us, he will always remain unknown, as Lt. Col. M, but the great light he left behind will continue to sparkle, illuminate, and guide us.

Let us strengthen, walk in the paths of Lt. Col. M, Ro'i Klein, and other Israeli heroes who courageously gave their lives. Let us open our hearts to others, be considerate, empathize, and become better and more enlightening. Like them.

In honor of the month of Kislev, Hidabroot is gathering stories of light and splendor about people who illuminate the way. Do you also know such people? You are welcome to send their details to debi@htv.co.il, or write about them yourself. Let's spread the great light together!