While war often brings stories of heartache and loss, sometimes we have the chance to share something bright amidst the darkness.
Captain Omer Rabi and his wife, Liav, both entered reserve duty after the Oct. 7 Hamas massacre on southern Israel. Liiav served as a reserve officer in the Southern Command while pregnant with their first child, while Omer served as the deputy commander of the 697th Battalion’s Palsar Company in the 551st Brigade.
Omer and six of his fellow soldiers were seriously injured while fighting in Gaza when an explosive device was detonated by Hamas terrorists, resulting in four fatalities. After a month of hospitalization and rehabilitation, Omer insisted on rejoining his soldiers in combat in Gaza, which he did.
On Tuesday night, Liav gave birth to their firstborn daughter.
“The thing that gave me strength during all that time in the hospital and in combat was the feeling of responsibility for my soldiers and concern for my wife and the baby on the way,” Omer told Arutz Sheva.
Liav added, “I am not taking it for granted that Omer survived the incident and is here by my side and holding our firstborn daughter. This is our private victory over all those who seek to harm us. We are delighted for the privilege that has been given to us, and we will never forget those who made this all possible.”
