I meet the young woman on a hot summer day—it’s the 662nd day of this war. A week prior, she was released from another round of reserve duty, and there have been several in recent months. She is just finishing her studies. The day before was her last exam; she will graduate as an industrial engineer.
Eden is 27 years old, smart, with alert eyes and a gaze that has seen more than it should have. She served her regular military duty in the now-disbanded “Rimon” special unit. Since then, she has served as a logistics officer in the reserves.
The Black Shabbat
On October 7, 2023, Eden is woken at 6:30 a.m. by air raid sirens. Her apartment is in Beersheva. She shakes her partner awake, wanting to head to the shelter. Sleepily, he says, “Oh, it’s just a firework…” Eden lies back down. Shortly after, new, continuous siren wails sound. They realize something extraordinary is happening.
Both Eden and her boyfriend serve in key roles in the reserves. Eden’s unit calls almost...
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