In recent months, it has become increasingly clear how heavily the experiences in the Gaza Strip weigh on Israel’s reservists. Beyond the constant danger at the front, many carry emotional wounds into their daily lives. A particularly poignant example is provided by 33-year-old reservist Inon Gadasi with an open post on Facebook. His “apology post” is not only a personal cry for help but also a powerful testimony to how deeply the battles in Gaza impact the lives and relationships of our soldiers.
Here are his words in full:
An Apology Post – From the heart of a reservist just back from Gaza for recovery, to the heart of an Israeli citizen:
Today, while driving between Tel Aviv and Ramat Gan, I had a post-traumatic episode that caused me to floor the gas pedal and drive recklessly for a few moments. I sped past you and nearly collided with your car. You got upset, swerved, and followed me until we stopped together at a traffic light. You were angry with me, and I felt regret and realized something extreme had happened to me. It was the first time I experienced it like this.
You aggressively got out of your car, tried to open my door, and brought out your dog (a Malinois) to show me it wouldn’t be pleasant if I dared to get out of my car. In the end, you went back to your car, threw a water bottle forcefully at mine, and went on your way. I understood you and was angry at myself. This wasn’t the reckless driving of a foolish kid.
I’m 33 years old, and I was in distress. I wasn’t trying to harm you, overtake you, or show off in front of the woman next to me. She is my wife. The one who surrounds me and, together with me, struggles through the terrible state our country is in. I was trying to escape a certain situation. Something in my head. Something that has haunted me since the battles in Be’eri on the Black Shabbat. That’s the whole story.
After you attacked me back at the traffic light, I opened my window to apologize, but you were busy controlling your dog, not noticing that sitting next to me was a delicate, beautiful woman, crying hysterically because of my reaction (a reaction of adrenaline release, not violence, for heaven’s sake), who has to bravely endure this absurd situation time and again!
I just wanted to say “Sorry” and a huge “Thank you” in an open post, first to my wife and, of course, to you. I’m sure you cursed me back a few generations, but don’t worry, everyone’s behind you—I deserved it. Your reaction grounded me and reminded me that my surroundings aren’t to blame for my decision to serve my beloved country. No matter the cost, for better or worse. Thank you for that, brother!
May we learn to cope with the absurd contradiction between reserve duty in Gaza and our normal lives, may we have the strength to endure as long as necessary, and may we never harm those who aren’t fighting physically but emotionally, who support us and deserve the greatest recognition, gratitude, and the biggest embrace!
Sorry, my wife. Sorry, dear person. Reach out and bring a hug! Thank you for reading.
Until the last of the hostages 🎗 Am Israel Chai 🇮🇱🫡 Inon Gadasi
Inon Gadasi’s post reveals something often hidden: the scars that are not on the skin but etched deep in the soul. Many reservists return home to their supposedly normal lives—yet they are still there, in Gaza, in the memories of the Black Shabbat, in the battles of Be’eri. Stories like these remind us that the war doesn’t end with the completion of a mission. It continues to accompany the soldiers, their families, and the entire society. And it demands from all of us the courage to thank them not only for their military service but also for enduring, understanding, and quietly bearing the burden.
