Robbert Baruch is Rebecca’s father

Once again, we find ourselves at Har Herzl. Reflecting on the day’s events, and the words we just heard, I am so grateful for the support of both our extended family and the Israel Defense Forces.

Our Israeli family is truly remarkable, we go back four generations. Just a handful of years ago, we didn’t even know these incredible individuals. Yet, they stood by Rebecca and by us through every trial and triumph: from Rebecca’s arrival for her gap year, to her service as a lone soldier, through the trials of her military duty, amidst the terrible war that Hamas started on October 7th, during her hospitalization, at her burial and shiva, and now, here, comforting us in our grief.

Our connection with the military transcends generations. The last known ancestor in our direct line to don a uniform fought in the ten-day campaign against what would soon become Belgium in 1831. However, our ties to the armed forces run deep, with numerous relatives involved in various facets of defense. Rebecca often felt not in place in The Netherlands which was her home, but Tzahal made her feel at home in a country where she did not grow up.

Rebecca answered the army’s call to duty three times: initially in 2018, embarking on her journey as a lone soldier; later, for reserve duty (miluim); and finally, during her hospitalization when signs of residual brain function gave us a glimmer of hope. On this last occasion, her commander’s words was a final attempt to bring her back to us.

Conversely, she was relieved from duty three times as well: first, when she concluded her active service in March 2023; then, in a deeply poignant ceremony on the last day of her life, orchestrated by her commanders in the hospital, when hope was lost; and just now, with the beautiful words of her commander, Avi.

A month ago, as we laid Rebecca to rest, she occupied the last position in a row of graves. Since then, the landscape has transformed, with so many young people joining her in eternal rest. The grief over the loss of these young men and women echoes within and is amplified by their families, and resonates through their circles of friends, comrades, colleagues and partners. It is a sorrow so profound, it defies comprehension.

In our mourning, we grieve not only the loss of our beloved daughter, but also the absence of a friend, a soldier, a comrade, a commander, a lover, a girlfriend, a teacher, a housemate, and all these other roles she embraced with boundless love and commitment.

But above all, by laying here on Har Herzl, Rebecca rests as a daughter of Israel.

And with her, we await the day of resurrection, of redemption, and of peace.

עושה שלום במרומיו, הוא יעשה שלום עלינו ועל כל ישראל ואמרו אמן

He who makes peace in His heavens, may He make peace upon us and upon all of Israel; and say, Amen.