Lieutenant Colonel (res.) A., an Israeli Air Force pilot who commanded the initial airstrike of Operation Rising Lion deep inside Iranian territory, has for the first time revealed the personal letter he wrote to his loved ones once the combat mission concluded.
As the first pilot to cross into hostile airspace, A. took on the riskiest role in the opening wave of attacks. His assignment placed him at the forefront of what became one of the most daring operations carried out by Israel in recent years.
Knesset member Matan Kahana, a longtime friend of A., shared the contents of the letter on social media after the pilot gave his consent.
“Lieutenant Colonel (res.) A., a kibbutznik from the north and a dear friend, led the first planes that entered deep into Iran,” Kahana wrote. “I was told that his briefing before the fateful flight was special. I asked him to share what he sent to his family when the ceasefire began, and he agreed.”
Along with authorizing the letter’s release, A. added a heartfelt appeal: “Please, please, no politics. With me in the formation were kibbutzniks, settlers, moshavniks, and urbanites. As you know so well — the beautiful Land of Israel. Despite the fear and concerns, we looked to the right and left and charged together at the enemy. Historic moments, a special feeling.”
In his emotional message to his family, A. wrote: “There will be plenty of time to share experiences, to laugh, and to cry… but I waited two weeks to share. In the opening sortie, I was chosen to lead a formation of dozens of planes. We were the first to enter deep into Iran. I was in the first plane of the first formation, and that’s how I received the most dangerous mission.”
Reflecting on the tense days prior to the operation, he admitted: “During the days before, I didn’t have the courage to write a farewell letter. I don’t know why, something inside me didn’t let me focus on that, and I knew I would do everything to complete the mission and return safely.”
He went on to describe how he handled the enormous responsibility of leadership: “The greatest challenge I had was giving confidence and calm to the formation I was leading. At the end of the briefing, I chose to read a few words from a song I really love to the wonderful group with me. I kept this note in my pocket throughout the war, and I promised myself that instead of a farewell letter, I would send you the note and song when I return healthy and safe. Thank God we returned safely!”
The note he carried included lyrics that deeply moved him: “At midnight, they rose and struck at the edge of the world like sons of fire, they felt they flew afar to restore the dignity of man.”
{Matzav.com Israel}