August 3rd, 2014
Haifa, Israel
27th Day of Operation Protective Edge
IDF had declared last night Lt. Hadar Goldin, 23, from Kfar Saba as dead.
Like Staff Sergeant Oron Shaul, we don’t have the body of Hadar. “So how do you know that he is dead?” you might ask. That is a good question, and I don’t sure how to answer.
First of all you have to understand that bodies has important part in Judaism, each and every part of the body must be buried when one is dead. That only makes the decision of the IDF Rabbi harder.
As hard as it is for the families to accept the idea that he is dead without a body (Some families in the past reject such decisions and demanded body as a proof), It is also a big problem for us. When Hamas, or any terror organization, holding a body he is using it in negotiation, demanding Israel to free prisoners or open the crossings. Like it does with a live hostage.
When Hadar and Oron were declared dead, not only it gives some comfort for their families, but it also prevent Hamas pushing us into the corner and demanding things to return their bodies.
Take Care
Gad
Lt. Hadar Goldin, 23, from Kfar Saba (killed by Hamas terrorists in the southern Gaza Strip during the fights of Operation Protective Edge)