At the Israel Justice Organization event in New York City, reserve Brigadier General Effie Eitam delivered an emotional address that highlighted the unbreakable generational bond within Israel’s fighting forces and the nation’s determination to defeat its enemies.
Eitam began with a personal combat story from the October 7th massacre. "Like everybody, I took my gear and rifle, which I keep at home, and I rushed with my private car to the battlefield,” Eitam recounted.
Driving near Hatzerim, terrorists opened fire on his vehicle. “Of course, I stopped the car. I went into a tunnel on the side of the road and returned fire. They didn’t know who they were challenging.”
Moments later, a squad of young paratroopers arrived. The battle was their first experience under fire. Eitam helped orient the soldiers and prepared them for an assault on the five terrorists. As darkness fell, one of the young paratroopers - “who could have been my grandchild” - turned to the general and ordered: “Old man, you are now under my command. Don’t get lost here during the assault.”
Eitam, whose rank was hidden by his body armor, smiled and joined the assault. Together, they killed the terrorists.
The former IDF officer and cabinet minister told the audience that the moment symbolized the seamless link between generations of Israeli fighters.
“This is when the generation of Yom Kippur War - during which I was a young officer - joined hands with the young generation of soldiers in the battlefield of today,” he said. “And I can tell you that this chain of heroes, this chain of commitment and bravery for the state of Israel is solid, strong, and stable.”
Despite “all kinds of complications and maybe some pessimism which have prevailed during the last two years,” Eitam declared Israel’s resolve unshaken.
“You can raise your hand and say, I’m part of a nation. I am part of a people. I am part of a country which is leading the war against evil in its most clear and victorious way. The older generation with white beards like mine is joining hands with the young boys and defeating evil enemies. No matter who they are, no matter how far they are from Israel, we shall win. Am Yisrael Chai.”