18 Comments
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Diana Brewster's avatar

Thank you Andrew for holding that light against the dark.

The dead can no longer tell their own stories. They pass into the legends that we tell each other.

Ian Mark Sirota's avatar

Andrew, thank you for everything. Here’s to a better year for us all in 2026.

Brent Davis's avatar

Andrew... this was a stupendously powerful and moving piece. I was positively wiping my eyes by the end. You've hit two bullseyes - what makes something worth dying for, but also what's wrong with most of Western society today - on the whole, we've lost our core. It melts my heart. I have beloved friends in the IDF who risked their lives every day in Gaza, often for months on end, as I kept in contact with them as best I could, and meanwhile read the lists of the fallen every morning with gritted teeth. These friends are now more than my friends, they're my heroes. They risked everything for country, faith, duty. I love them dearly for it - it chokes me up to think of it. Thank you again, Andrew, for a mightily profound piece. You are a philosopher like Socrates - speaking uncomfortable truths to anyone willing to listen, without regard to those who might be upset by your views and words. And though the Athenians eventually succeeded in silencing Socrates, you will not be silenced. We are very, very fortunate to have you on our side as such a passionate spokesperson for Israel - especially given that the IDF Spokesperson's Office does such an appalling job at that - and the new Spokesperson is (if possible) worse than the previous one :). Once again, Andrew - this was a spectacular piece. Thank you so much, friend.

Marshall R Peterson's avatar

Well you brought back memories of my time in Vietnam. Sad how little the picture has changed and that change has not been for the better. I shed tears long buried.

Eva Dunn's avatar

Thank you for your service. America did not treat you Vietnam vets very well when you returned either.

Eva Dunn's avatar

Oh, my Andrew. That is a heavy weight to carry. Good that he had you there with him. To pass with someone who cares by your side is a blessing not everyone receives.

I hope you were able to sleep.

Margaret Tyler's avatar

Another beautiful piece of writing Andrew. Happy New Year to you and more power to eloquent voices and reasoning like yours.

Natalie Shalom🙋's avatar

I cannot imagine the horror of watching the life of another who has given his life for duty slip away, may he now only know peace and may you also be blessed with peace. You are the most amazing individual, not only for what you have given for this country but what you have stood for since Oct 2023, you are our shining light of humanity. Oh and did you notice Sadiq Khan’s display removed the star from the Israeli flag? The difference between good and evil in one post

Elana Roseth's avatar

Such a beautiful piece. Thank you.

Joanne Cugnet's avatar

Yes empty displays to include everyone without offending anyone. Which is just a signal and not a core full of shared values. So poignant Andrew. What you have been through many of us will never face. I am sure the fallen soldier felt your total commitment to keep him alive. ❤️❤️

Donna Jenkins's avatar

This is such beautiful and profound writing that I don't have the eloquence to describe properly. My interest has always been in the psychology of War and you explain it so very well. You have now become one of the first people I seek clarification from.

Brian's avatar

Thank you.

Marie haines's avatar

Outstanding

Jonathan Lipschutz's avatar

Thank you for all that you do and all you represent! Like so so many of us who are in this struggle with you, i wish for you (and all of us who understand what the fight is for) strength and light!

May the memories of those you’ve fought/served with be only a blessing and a strength for you!

Beth Mermelstein's avatar

So many others have eloquently praised your essay I can only agree and thank you for your steadfastness and moral clarity. May this year bring us grace.

Alison R Noyes's avatar

Andrew, that is a beautiful piece of writing. I have not been tested in the way you - and others - have. Thank you.

Sara Neves's avatar

❤️