Battalions 13 and 51 of the Golani Brigade were the first to respond to the brutal attack by the terrorist organization Hamas on the morning of Simchat Torah, October 7th. The forces engaged in fierce and tenacious battles against hundreds of terrorists in the Kisufim and Nahal Oz areas.
The brigade suffered heavy losses, with at least 70 soldiers killed and dozens more injured. Despite the blow, the battalion fighters announced that they are not broken, and now they are undergoing deep training and extensive preparations for the next stage in the battle - the ground offensive.
Lieutenant Colonel Tomer Greenberg, the commander of Battalion 13, said, "The bravery of the fallen of Battalion 13 accompanies us in every step we take. We are preparing for a ground entry into the strip, with rigorous training and self-processing, and group training that will ultimately prepare us to fight and win. This time, we are the ones who will surprise. We will fight with a concentrated effort, with all the advanced capabilities and high standards of the battalion, and we will be the ones who win!"
Lieutenant Colonel Meir Ohayon, the commander of Battalion 51, said, "About three weeks have passed since that fateful Saturday when the battalion fought, repelled, and did its best to carry out the mission. At that critical moment, the battalion's fighters demonstrated exceptional strength and combat spirit. We make use of every minute for training, both as a unit and as individuals. Each one finds the best in themselves, never forgetting our values, and we are fighting for our home. There will be a ground entry, and when it comes, we will win."
