Ben Zussman's letter to his family… and the world

Ben Zussman Z"l (2001-2023)

Ben served in the IDF's 601st Combat Engineering Battalion of the 401st Brigade and finished his mandatary military service in the Summer of 2023. Soon after, Ben was accepted to Shabak (Special security service) and was to start their course on October 13th 2023. On October 7th 2023 Ben reported for duty at his own initiative, determined to defend his country — a reflection of his courage, commitment and love for Israel.

On December 3rd 2023, our beloved son Ben was killed while battling Hamas terrorists in the northern Gaza Strip.

On the day of the funeral, we received a letter from a friend of Ben, a letter Ben wrote on October 7th saying: “Read this message and show it to everyone only, If the worse comes to worst and something happens to me."

Here are the last words Ben wrote to us:

I’m writing you this message on the way to the base.

‏ If you are reading this, something has probably happened to me.

As you know me, there’s probably no one happier than me right now. Not for nothing was I really on the verge of fulfilling my dream so soon.

I'm happy and grateful for the privilege to defend our beautiful land and the people of Israel.

Even if something happens to me, I won’t allow you to wallow in sadness. I had the privilege of achieving my dream and my goal and be sure that I am watching you from above and smiling a huge smile. I will sit next to grandpa and fill in a few blanks, each one of us will share our experiences and what changed from war to war. Maybe we’ll also talk a little politics; asking him for his opinion.

If the worse comes to worst and you are sitting shiva, turn it into a week of friends, family, and joy. Have food, definitely meat, beer, sweet drinks, nuts, tea, and of course, Mom’s cookies.

Laugh, listen to stories and meet all my friends that you haven’t yet met. Honestly? I envy you. I would have loved to be sitting there to see everyone.

[…]

Another very, very important point. If the worse comes and I fall captive, dead or alive, I am not willing for a soldier or civilian to be harmed because of any deal for my release. I do not allow you to conduct a campaign or struggle or anything like that. I am not willing for terrorists to be released in exchange for me.

In no way, shape, or form. Please do not violate my words.

I’ll say it again – I left home without even being called up to reserve duty. I am filled with pride and a sense of duty, and I always said that if I have to die, I hope it will be in defense of others and of the country.

“Jerusalem, I have set guards over you. / May the day come when I’ll be one of them.”