The family of Sergeant Major Yosef Gittertz received the announcement Monday night from IDF representatives that he had fallen in battle in the southern Gaza Strip. Yusef, 25, from Tel Aviv, a tank driver in Battalion 7029, was killed by an anti-tank missile.
He was drafted into the reserves on 8 October, a day after the outbreak of war. His parents received a letter he left in case he fell in battle: Dear Mom and Dad, I love you very much. Everything as it should be. I myself chose it. I lived a good and interesting life. At the same time, I was never afraid of death.
"I could not go here and hide, but it would go against everything I believe in and value and who I consider myself to be. So I had no choice, and I would do the same if I could choose again. I made that choice myself and went all the way with it. I fell honorably for the sake of my people. I have no regrets.
IDF Spokesperson
"I love you very much and am proud that you are my parents. You guys gave me a lot. I had a very interesting, rich, happy, unique life. My death only underscores that. You are certainly in a lot of pain. But you will get over it. I would very much like that. That's the main thing I want.
"You both have a lot of close people who will support you. Please find something positive in all this. Be with your grandchildren. Help Israel. I'm fine."
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