NEW YORK — A New Rochelle High School graduate is a reservist for the Israeli Defense Forces and is waiting for what’s to come next in this war. While at her base, she showed CBS New York what a day is like.
Eden Shmuel spoke into her iPhone, stating, “Hey there! It’s around 6:50 in the morning, and I’m just finishing up my 4-hour shift that began at 3 am.”
Life for Shmuel looks a lot different with Israel now at war.
She mentioned that she had recently completed her guard duty and had just used the port-a-potties available at the location. She further specified that there are only two port-a-potties for approximately 100 people stationed at the base.
READ MORE: War in Israel affects thousands in our area as Jewish communities rush in to help
In her personal narratives, she provides an inside perspective on the experiences of being a reservist in the Israeli Defense Forces. The 21-year-old was summoned back into service following Hamas’ brutal assault, claiming the lives of more than 1200 Israelis and leaving numerous others currently held captive. These accounts offer a unique glimpse into the efforts undertaken by the country to safeguard its borders.
Shmuel stated that he currently has knowledge about a few individuals who are missing. Out of those missing people, he discovered that two of them have unfortunately been found deceased.
READ MORE: Jewish, Palestinian communities stepping up security amid warfare between Israel and Hamas
Currently, Shmuel, a combat soldier serving in the reserves, is stationed at a northern base. Thousands of soldiers have been deployed to the Lebanon border due to concerns over a potential attack, specifically from the terrorist group Hezbollah.
She stated that as combat soldiers stationed at the base, our primary duty is to safeguard the base, enabling those within to carry out their crucial role in the battle.
War brings uncertainty, disconnect, and fear. Shmuel’s 18-year-old brother is a soldier near the Gaza Strip.
Shmuel expressed that it has been nerve-racking due to minimal contact since he is down south.
READ MORE: Israel-Hamas war rages as death toll climbs; U.S. plans evacuation flights for Americans
However, moments of relief do come. CBS New York had the opportunity to observe Shmuel receiving a text from her brother during a Zoom session.
She said that he had just mentioned being okay and expressing his love for her.
Shmuel expresses her desire for people in her home state to comprehend the emotions and tragedies that are currently being experienced.
She stated that the situation here is a matter of life and death, and it is imperative that we address and acknowledge the appalling occurrences that have been taking place.
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- In:
- Palestine
- Hamas
- Israel
- New Rochelle
- Gaza Strip
