Amidst the relentless tumult of the Israel-Gaza war, a powerful narrative emerges – the world witnesses a display of courage and strength, where women stand shoulder to shoulder with their male counterparts, fighting not only for their nation but for a future of peace and unity.
The conflict that has gripped the region since the surprise weekend attack by Hamas operatives has, in turn, brought forth a surge of extraordinary individuals, women who've stepped up in various capacities to make a difference.
Moriah Mencer: A Soldier's Resolve
British-Israeli and former Israel Defence Force (IDF) soldier Moriah Mencer says she is flying from Heathrow to Tel Aviv to rejoin the Israeli army after Hamas' attack.
— Sky News (@SkyNews) October 10, 2023
Read more: https://t.co/2zbbQe69FR pic.twitter.com/RY8bAKmKkV
Moriah Mencer, a former IDF soldier, felt the call of duty in the wake of a horrifying attack. One of her close friends fell victim to the weekend assault, and Moriah promptly returned to Israel to stand in defence. At London's Heathrow Airport, she shared her emotions, "We've rushed back to Israel because our friends are in very unfortunate situations. Some of my friends are missing. I've just found out that one of my friends has been murdered in her home two days ago. So we got the first flight we could." Moriah's determination is a testament to the unwavering spirit of those who stand for their homeland.
Captain Ella: A Symbol of Unity
Known as "Captain Ella" worldwide and across social media, Ella Waweya became the first Muslim Arab woman to attain the rank of major in the IDF. On IDF's Instagram handle, she shares updates on the Gaza conflict and a message of unity for Israel's success. Her story is a beacon of hope in a complex conflict, highlighting the power of unity in the face of adversity.
Zohar and Liron: Survivors Turned Soldiers
Zohar and Liron are a young couple who survived the horrific massacre at the music festival in southern Israel.
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) October 11, 2023
Immediately after escaping, they both reported for reserve duty in the Combat Engineering Corps' reserve battalion. pic.twitter.com/LSIRXMPXbf
Zohar and Liron, a brave couple, escaped the harrowing Supernova music festival massacre in southern Israel. What followed was a display of sheer determination as they immediately reported for reserve duty in the Combat Engineering Corps' reserve battalion. Their commitment to safeguarding their homeland is awe-inspiring.
Plestia Alaqad: A Journalist's Voice from Gaza
Plestia Alaqad, a journalist from Palestine, wields her smartphone as a tool to document the widespread devastation around her. Based in Gaza, she paints a poignant picture of life since the Israel-Hamas war began. Her Instagram account reflects the stark shift in her posts, highlighting the harsh realities she witnesses. Her dedication to sharing the truth is a testament to the power of journalism during turbulent times.
Miki Dubery: The Voice of Compassion
Miki Dubery, a 23-year-old journalist who emigrated to Tel Aviv from the US, has taken it upon herself to speak to victims and report on the atrocities committed in the region. In an interview with a US television channel, Ms. Dubery aptly described the conflict as "Terror versus Israel and Hamas versus the Palestinians," emphasizing the broader implications for humanity. Her commitment to shedding light on the human aspect of the conflict is both moving and essential.
As the Israel-Gaza war rages on, it's crucial to remember that beyond the headlines and statistics, it's the individuals, like Moriah, Captain Ella, Zohar, Liron, Plestia Alaqad, and Miki Dubery, who embody the spirit of resilience and courage. In a conflict where voices often become mere statistics, these women remind us of the indomitable human spirit and the power of individuals to make a difference.
Suggested reading: Operation Ajay: Over 200 Indians Return From Israel, Share Ordeal