"These are the happiest days of my life," wrote 21-year-old Ivri Dickstein to his friends just days before he fell in Lebanon. "I'm finally doing something that truly matters."
In a poignant move, Ivri had renamed his WhatsApp group from "Until When" to "Until Whenever We're Needed." His last message to the group captured his essence: "When the call to charge comes, we'll rise as one - no questions asked. We have one land, one people. History has taught us, through blood and tears, that the Jewish people have only one place to call home."
"I'll do whatever my country asks of me, even give my life," he declared, before adding his final request: "Just promise me you'll never surrender your truth. Never forget who you are or where you belong. Remember - we have a beautiful country, blooming and filled with incredible people."
His final battle came in the Lebanese village of Harfa, a rocket launch site targeting Haifa. As company commander, Ivri led from the front - just as he always had. He fell to an ambushed terrorist's gunfire, dying as he lived - leading his men.
In a heart-wrenching twist, his last gift to his wife of 18 months - a bouquet of flowers - arrived after his funeral. The accompanying note read: "My beloved, writing from the far north, hopefully for the last time. I'm happy here, doing what matters for our people. Keep smiling, hold your head high. Don't worry about me. Love you more than anything. Treat yourself to some chocolate and enjoy the flowers. Forever yours, Ivri."
At his funeral, his young widow's words echoed across the silence: "You brought so much light, so many dreams. You wanted to be a father, a commander... so many dreams left unfulfilled."
Ivri left behind his wife Miriam, his parents Ilan and Tzofia, five sisters, and a legacy of unwavering dedication. At just 21, he became the third soldier from his neighborhood to fall in this war, following Shilo Rauchberger and Roy Beit Yaakov.
Channel 14 contributed to this article.
