The IDF officers’ training school, Ba’ad 1, on Wednesday graduated the largest class in history, 398 new officers. Among the new 2nd-lieutenants was Uriel Wachsman, the brother of Sergeant Nachshon Wachsman HY”D, who was kidnapped by terrorists in 1994 and eventually murdered in Dir Naballah, an Arab village just north of the Atarot area of the capital. It was Nachshon’s abduction that generated worldwide prayers and the lighting of Shabbos candles, but despite the international effort and the heroic rescue mission of a Sayeret Matkal commando force, he was not saved. Captain Nir Poraz HY”D was killed in the attempt to save Nachshon.

When Nachshon was murdered, Uriel was eight, but today, he is a member of the Nachal combat forces.

Uriel admits when he decided he wished to serve in a combat unit it was a bit difficult for his parents, especially his mother, but after he explained his reasons she agreed, and accompanied him to the appropriate officer to sign on the forms.

(If a child in killed in service, any subsequent children wishing to serve in combat units must obtain permission in writing from both parents).

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)