"If I Die then Only Like This." The Chilling will of Roei Dawi

(Photo: from the IDF Fallen Soldiers website)

Roei Dawi, who fell yesterday (Tuesday) in the northern part of the Gaza Strip, wrote a farewell letter in his own WhatsApp group that was discovered after his death. Roee lived in Jerusalem and served as a platoon commander in the Tzabar Battalion in Givati.

In his letter, Roei began with words of love for his family, in chilling terms: "Dad, Mom, Nitzani, Eden, and Tomer, I love you, you were the best, if I die, then only like this, I hope we crush Gaza before it reaches you, I regret nothing."

Roei described the strong spirit of his fellow soldiers, saying, "I had the best service imaginable, and the sweetest ending. I have lion-hearted soldiers that I was privileged to command, and Liel's way is with us, we have the smile that comes up at every possible moment. Seeing everyone here is the State of Israel for me, and I'm doing it for its defense."

Later in his words, Roei mentions the refusals "they can continue to refuse to serve in the reserves, in the meantime we are entering Gaza".

"You are my little angel. Thanks for the time with you"

Here, Roei addresses his beloved and encourages her, saying, "My beloved Nitzani, you're my little angel. Thank you for the time with you and everything you've taught me. You're a champion, believe in yourself. Be strong for me. You'll be the best goldsmith in the world."

Roei also mentions his friends "To my friends, thank you for who you are, I am who I am because of you."

Continuing his letter, Roei addresses his parents and even makes a request to his father that brings a smile: "Mom and Dad, who don't want to drive me crazy, so they don't call. You've been everything I could wish for myself and more. Promise me one thing: that Mom will keep going to Hapoel games, but this time, with you!"

To conclude, Roei bids farewell to his older brothers and asks them to stay strong: "Eden and Tomer, my beloved, there aren't many bonds like ours. You've been a safe place for me for everything. An example and a role model for big brothers. Show everyone what you're made of, and only get stronger from everything."

Roei, who resided in Jerusalem and served as a platoon leader in the Tzabar Battalion in Givati, was 20 years old when he fell during operational activity in the northern Gaza Strip along with 12 other soldiers. May their memory be blessed.