Before being killed in a Gaza tunnel, my son was twice slated to come home alive, writes Rachel Goldberg-Polin.
It’s been nearly two years since my son, Private David Goldberg, was tragically killed in a Gaza tunnel. For me, it feels like yesterday. The pain and grief still linger, but so does the memory of David’s bravery and determination. Even in the face of danger, he never wavered in his commitment to serve his country.
David was a proud soldier in the Israeli Defense Forces, a young man with a heart full of love for his country and a passion for protecting its people. He had joined the IDF at the age of 19, and like any mother sending her child off to war, I was terrified. But David reassured me, promising to come home alive. And he did, twice.
The first time was when he was serving in the West Bank, during the Gaza War in 2014. He was supposed to be stationed in Gaza, but at the last minute, his unit was reassigned to the West Bank. While the war was raging in Gaza, David and his fellow soldiers were relatively safe in the West Bank. We all breathed a sigh of relief when he called to tell us the news. I remember thinking, “Thank goodness, my son is coming home alive.”
But then, a year later, he was called back to Gaza. This time, he was part of a special unit that was tasked with uncovering and destroying the Hamas tunnels that were used to smuggle weapons and attack Israeli civilians. David was proud to be chosen for this important mission, but I couldn’t help but worry. The tunnels were notorious for being dangerous, and I feared for my son’s safety.
Yet once again, David proved me wrong. He returned home safely, having successfully completed his mission. I couldn’t have been prouder of him. He had faced danger head on, and had emerged victorious.
But then, just three months later, David was called back to Gaza for a third time. This time, he wasn’t so lucky. While uncovering a tunnel, a bomb planted by Hamas exploded, killing David and three other soldiers. My heart shattered into a million pieces upon receiving the news. How could this happen? How could my son, who had twice come home alive, now be gone forever?
It’s been a difficult journey since then. The pain and loss are still raw, and I miss my son every single day. But through my grief, I hold on to the memories of his bravery and determination. He was a true hero, and I will always be proud of him.
As a mother, I cannot help but wonder what could have been if David had not been killed in that tunnel. He was only 22 years old, with his whole life ahead of him. But I also know that David would not have wanted me to dwell on the “what ifs”. He lived his life to the fullest, and he died doing what he loved – serving his country and protecting its people.
As a mother who has lost her son to war, I urge everyone to remember the sacrifices made by our soldiers. Behind every soldier, there is a family who worries and waits for their safe return. And for some, that happy reunion will never come. Let us honor the memories of those who have fallen by cherishing the ones who are still with us. Reach out to a soldier, thank them for their service, and let them know that they are appreciated and loved.
My son, Private David Goldberg, may have been killed in a Gaza tunnel, but he will forever remain alive in my heart and in the hearts of all who knew him. He was a brave soldier, a loving son, and a true hero. And while I may never understand why he was taken from us, I find solace in knowing that he was twice slated to come home alive, and that he will always be remembered as a courageous and dedicated soldier.
