The incursion of Hamas terrorists on October 7 exposed a grave lapse and systemic failure. While it will forever be remembered as a dark chapter in Israel's history, stories of bravery and heroism emerged, reminding us that even in the face of great danger, courage shines through.
These tales of determination and valor deserve a special place in our collective memory because they averted an even more significant catastrophe.
One such story belongs to Eran Kalimi, who was at home with his wife Ayelet and their four children - Harel, Noya, Roi, and nine-month-old Erez - when the Qassam rockets began to rain down on Saturday. Their home in Moshav Takuma, located near the Gaza Strip, faced an unprecedented test of their mettle.
Kalimi, 44, was in the army for 16 years and gained experience that would be put to the ultimate test on Saturday. His personal account reads like a script for a war movie.
"Around 6:50 a.m., we received a call to assemble all our forces in the Sderot area due to the presence of unexplained explosives and a significant event. The jarring sound of bombs had awakened our family, and we swiftly moved to the protective space. While en route to Sderot, I realized that a more significant threat was unfolding. The commander of the Border Police's Southern District, Tomer Eldar, relayed an urgent message to all units."
He continued, "On my way to Sderot, I spotted a civilian's car with several people nearby. They informed me that it had been hit by shrapnel. I urged them to double-check and ensure it wasn't a bullet.
"They approached the vehicle and returned with certainty that it was shrapnel, pointing out the Kasem rockets had likely shattered the car's windows. I inquired if they had contacted an ambulance, and they confirmed they had. I asked them to stay with the injured driver while awaiting the ambulance and to evacuate the area due to the rocket threat. I continued driving toward Sderot, passing a traffic light. About 50 meters ahead, I encountered Israeli vehicles moving in a single-file line, all occupants hunkered down. It became evident to me that they were escaping gunfire, and armed terrorists lurked further down the road toward Sderot."
In such a perilous situation, what did you do?
"I turned back and drove to the entrance of Moshav Yakhini while summoning the entire force to organize and confront the threat. Within minutes, a team from Magav, comprising four fighters, joined me. It was at that point that I learned the injured driver I'd seen earlier had been hit by a bullet, not shrapnel.
"A few minutes later, cries emerged from the direction of Yakhini's entrance, close to the yellow bridge, which had been sealed off. I enlisted four Magav fighters, borrowed an M16 from one of them since I'd left my home unarmed, and we spotted two vehicles: a Corolla and a van.
"The armed terrorists were forcefully leading two women towards the vehicles, and it was clear that a kidnapping was underway. In that moment, I, along with the Magav fighter Mai Gershon and officer Uri Zohari, who happened to be vacationing in the area and had decided to join the fight, initiated a fierce firefight with the terrorists."
Can you elaborate on that?
"I opened fire vigorously, alongside Mai and Uri. At this point, the terrorists hurled a powerful bomb at us. I was struck by a bullet in my right shoulder, causing profuse bleeding.
"I requested reinforcements to Yakhini. At least one of the terrorists was hit by our gunfire, while the others continued pursuing the abductees. The terrorists attempted to conceal themselves behind a guardrail at the entrance to the settlement. However, they were spotted by the abductees, who, in turn, alerted the husband of one of the women, who wounded one of the terrorists in the buttock, thwarting the kidnapping attempt. We managed to outmaneuver the terrorists and secure the release of the hostages.
"We instructed them to run towards the road and they estimated that there were between four to five terrorists.
"At this juncture, I investigated the terrorists' vehicle as they themselves entered Yakhini. I discovered a damaged Kalashnikov and ammunition, which I discreetly stashed in nearby bushes.
"Despite my injury, which didn't impede my movement, I resolved to continue battling the terrorists until reinforcements arrived. It was imperative to prevent the terrorists from kidnapping the residents.
"An officer and I entered the town from an alternate location, bypassing the main gate. After navigating the settlement and inspecting the courtyards, I reached the road and identified several terrorists ahead.
"A fierce exchange of gunfire erupted. I received a bullet wound in my right knee.
"Mai advised, 'Kalimi, we need to retreat; you're injured.' I realized our ammunition was running low, but I also recognized the need to persevere. We then spotted the terrorists approximately 150 meters away. Mai and Uri understood the gravity of the situation, and our resolute battle continued. At that moment, I noticed a deceased civilian among the vehicles, and it dawned on me that we were in a live combat zone."
And isn't it simple?
"We maneuvered through narrow spaces while exchanging fire. After a few minutes, Uri was hit in the hand and ankle, rendering him immobile. A courageous civilian emerged from one of the houses and tended to the officer's wounds. I insisted he seek refuge inside with the civilian for treatment, affirming that his part in the fight had concluded. Mai and I persevered, battling the armed terrorists alone.
"I took Uri's gun and continued engaging the terrorists.
"Moments later, I sustained another bullet wound in my left knee, a severe injury that damaged my leg's nerves, causing profuse bleeding.
"Mai urged, 'Kalimi, let's retreat,' but I insisted I could fight, remaining resolute to save the residents' lives. We managed to neutralize another terrorist, facing the attackers single-handedly.
"At this critical juncture, a corporal and three detectives arrived.
"I handed over command and briefed them on the mission's urgency, emphasizing the need to hold their ground against the terrorists until a larger force arrived within 10 minutes, aiming to prevent a catastrophe in the settlement. Uncertain of the exact arrival time for reinforcements, I clung to optimism. I informed them about the wounded officer in a nearby house."
Is this where your involvement in the battle concludes?
"I was losing blood rapidly, feeling increasingly lightheaded and weak. I directed Mai, who was unharmed, to fetch my vehicle. I also escorted the two rescued women away from the danger zone, driving toward Soroka.
"En route, I provided a comprehensive report, praising Mai and Uri. We had fought valiantly with limited ammunition, preventing us from engaging in subsequent attacks. In hindsight, I learned that three minutes after my departure from the combat site, reinforcements arrived, successfully completing the mission.
"They engaged in a two-and-a-half-hour firefight, ultimately eliminating the terrorists. I was eventually discharged from the hospital."
Is this a heroic tale?
"This is our duty. It's a testament to the spirit of combat, determination, and unwavering resolve. It's the indomitable spirit of the Israeli people that connected me with Mai and Uri, strangers turned comrades, and enabled us to delay the terrorists, leading to their eventual elimination. We thwarted a potential mass murder in Yakhini. This accomplishment should not be underestimated."
Were there no moments of fear? You three faced terrorists, after all.
"With 16 years of experience undercover, I've confronted terrorism in various forms, even in densely populated areas. Fear doesn't find a place in such moments. In those situations, the only thing you see is the paramount goal of saving lives."