Following the outbreak of the October 7th war, Israel rapidly mobilized tens of thousands of reserve soldiers and abruptly thrust them into combat with a depraved enemy. The men who answered the call were not the typical image that a “combat soldier” brings to mind. Many were fathers in their 30s who served in the military when they were younger but have been working in regular careers and leading non-military lives since then. They were accountants, plumbers, media professionals, and even worship leaders. Within a few hours’ notice, they dusted off their old uniforms, kissed their wives and children goodbye, and headed toward Gaza, not knowing what awaited them there.