Israel: First Soldier Falls in Gaza Ground War · Global Voices
Maya Norton

The first Israel Defense Forces soldier has fallen since entering Gaza on Saturday night. Staff Sergeant Dvir Emanuelof, may his memory be a blessing, was 22 years old. “We do not want our sons to be martyrs or heroes, only that they live long and healthy lives,” writes A Soldier's Mother. “And yet we have no choice but to give them the responsibility to protect our land, and in so doing, we know that sometimes, some will be asked to make the most horrible of sacrifices.”