The hug of a fallen soldier

By: Edward Villa

Dvir Imanuelov was the first Israeli soldier to be killed in operation “Cast Lead” a year and a half ago. Two years earlier his father had died of an illness and Dvir, as the only male in the family took upon himself all the responsibilities together with his mother.

The loss of Dvir was especially tragic as they were left with only a mother and daughters in the family. On his last birthday the family and friends got together around the gravesite cleaned it up and planted new flowers. During the ceremony Dvir’s mother told the following shocking story:

“One night before I went to sleep I spoke to G-d and asked him out loud the following request: “Please – give me one hug from Dvir so that I will know that it was not all in vain.” I then went to sleep.

That same week, my daughter asked me if I would come with her to a concert of Meir Banai – a famous Israeli singer. I wasn’t in the mood of going to a concert but at the same time didn’t want to upset my daughter. In the end I decided to go to the concert without much enthusiasm.

The concert took place at the Sultan’s poll stadium in Jerusalem. We got there a little early and while the band was getting ready a little boy came up to me. He was about two years old with beautiful blond curls and had the face of an angel. I started talking to him.

What is you name? – Eshel Do you want to be my friend? – Yes. Do you want to sit next to me? – Yes

At this point the parents, who were sitting two rows above us signaled the kid to come back and stop harassing old ladies. I motioned with my hand that it is fine and we continued our conversation.

Eshel started telling me about his family. He told me that he has a baby brother named Dvir.

When I heard the name my entire body started shaking. I went up two rows and asked Eshel’s mother. “Excuse me for being so rude, but how old is Dvir?” – Six moths old, was the answer. “Sorry for being so arrogant but was he born before or after operation “Cast Lead”?” “After” came the answer. “Please excuse my question but why did you call him Dvir?”

And Eshel’s mother answered: “I work in the army as an officer that informs families of their wounded or killed sons and follows their needs. While I was pregnant with Dvir the doctors informed me that they suspect a very serious defect with this baby. Since the pregnancy was at a very advanced stage it was not possible to have an abortion and there was nothing to do but wait for the birth and see.”

“On my way home from the doctor I heard over the radio that a soldier named Dvir was killed in Gaza. Right away I made a deal with G-d. ‘If you give me a healthy child I promise to call him Dvir in memory of that soldier’ concluded Shiri, Eshel’s mom.

With tears in my eyes I turned to Shiri and told her that I am the mother of Dvir. Shiri didn’t believe me. I insisted that I am Dvir’s mom.

She still didn’t believe me and then asked for my name. “Dalia” I answered. “Dalia Imanuelov from Givat Ze’ev.” Shiri then picked up Dvir and handed him over. “Here- take Dvir in your hands – he wants to give you a hug…”

Until this day the families are in touch and Shiri follows Dalia and the family in all their needs.