Hello, my name is Shimon Avikser.
I am a reserve combat soldier in Battalion 9, Golani Reconnaissance Unit.
Trying to find a job between rounds of reserve duty has completely broken me. Even after successful job interviews, employers would back away when I told them that I would report for reserve duty whenever I was called up. Meanwhile, the struggle to provide for my children only grew harder.
The worst moment of all came when my beloved wife, Hadar, was diagnosed with cancer while I was serving in combat in Gaza.
When her condition deteriorated, I was urgently called back from the front lines to the hospital. I was fortunate enough to say goodbye to her, and within half an hour, she passed away before my eyes.
Hadar’s final request was:
“Shimon, take care of our three children.”
Since that day, I have done everything in my power to keep that promise. >