In a touching scene on a train departing Be'er Sheva, two paratroopers, dusty and weary, find seats and quickly fall into a deep sleep. Their red boots peek through layers of dust, one bearing scratches on his hands and the other with a bandage on his right shoulder. The entire carriage falls silent, respecting their rest.
As the train stops in the Negev, a young soldier, in a brand new uniform, boards hesitantly. He approaches one of the sleeping paratroopers and loudly asks, "Are you a hero? Did you serve in the war?"
The paratrooper opens his tired eyes, instantly understanding the situation, and smiles, "Yes! I see you're a hero too!"
"I'm a volunteer. May I sit here? My mom says I sometimes bother people," the young soldier asks.
The paratrooper nods and sits up, saying, "Of course, buddy. Enjoying your time in the army?"
"Very much! I want to be a hero too, but I haven't earned ranks and badges like you yet."
"You'll get there. I was new once too. Everyone starts out that way."
"You're in the paratroopers?" the young soldier asks, curiosity in his eyes.
"Yes."
"Where have you served?"
The paratrooper, though visibly tired, patiently replies, "In Gaza."
"You parachute into Gaza?" the young soldier asks with wide eyes.
The paratrooper explains with a smile, giving examples as if he had just woken from a long, restful sleep.
"Can I help you? Sometimes people get tired of me," the young soldier asks.
"Absolutely not, buddy! You're doing great! The uniform suits you well," the paratrooper reassures.
"My boots hurt," the young soldier admits.
"Let's see why!" The paratrooper adjusts his socks, re-ties his laces with a smile, and asks, "Feeling better now?"
"Yes," the young soldier smiles.
As the train rumbles on through the Negev desert, the carriage falls into a comfortable silence. The young soldier, now with properly adjusted boots, beams with pride sitting next to his newfound hero. The paratrooper, despite his exhaustion, wears a gentle smile, his act of kindness having lifted his own spirits as much as the young soldier's.
In this moment, the divide between seasoned warrior and eager recruit dissolves. They are simply two soldiers, one offering guidance, the other admiration. The other passengers, witnesses to this touching scene, feel a swell of emotion - a mix of pride, hope, and a bittersweet understanding of the bonds forged in service.
* Written by Yael Shachar Israeli