{"id":17949,"date":"2025-03-24T23:02:20","date_gmt":"2025-03-24T21:02:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/reganews.co.il\/en\/?p=17949"},"modified":"2025-03-25T10:11:15","modified_gmt":"2025-03-25T08:11:15","slug":"two-bereaved-fathers-reveal-their-new-initiative","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/reganews.co.il\/en\/two-bereaved-fathers-reveal-their-new-initiative\/","title":{"rendered":"Two Bereaved Fathers Reveal Their New Unifying Initiative"},"content":{"rendered":"

In addition to the complex security threats it faces, Israel is grappling with challenges to its social cohesion. There is a pressing need for initiatives that foster unity and bring people together. One of the most contentious issues is the issue of a state commission of inquiry to investigate what happened on October 7 and the various failings that allowed it to happen. The major disagreement involves the identity of the head of the commission and other members, since a state commission is headed by the President of the Supreme Court, who, as well as the Supreme Court itself, is viewed by some as highly controversial and political, and by others as the only trustworthy figures in the governmental system.<\/p>\n

Brigadier General (ret.) Dedi Simchi and former Knesset Member Yizhar Shai have emerged as key figures in such efforts at unity and bridging differences. The two, who previously collaborated on a compromise framework for judicial reform, are now working on a consensus-driven approach regarding the commission of inquiry into the events of October 7. Their primary focus is fostering dialogue that promotes unity and understanding within Israeli society.<\/p>\n

A Hero\u2019s Last Stand<\/strong>
\nBefore delving into societal issues, the discussion began on a deeply personal note. Both Simchi and Shai are bereaved fathers whose sons, Guy and Yaron, fought heroically and saved lives on October 7.<\/p>\n

\u201cGuy is our youngest son,\u201d Simchi shares. \u201cHe was a soldier in the Paratroopers\u2019 reconnaissance unit\u2014a natural leader, charismatic, courageous, and full of life. On Friday, he went to a party. The next morning, when the rockets began falling, he took charge, gathering 30 young men and women and leading them to safety in protected rooms.\u201d<\/p>\n

But Guy did not enter the shelter himself. Unarmed, he stayed outside with a friend who had a weapon, determined to protect the others despite repeated pleas for him to come inside. \u201cFive terrorists arrived. Guy charged at one of them with his bare hands, choked him, and killed him. His friend managed to shoot a second terrorist, but a third threw grenades, severely wounding Guy. Eventually, he was struck down by a terrorist\u2019s bullet.\u201d<\/p>\n

Reflecting on his son\u2019s bravery, Simchi adds, \u201cGuy was an extraordinary young man, like so many sons and daughters of Israel. For them, defending this country is simply a given.\u201d<\/p>\n

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\u201cCharged with Bare Hands\u201d: Guy Simchi z”l | Photo: Private<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Yaron Prevented Dozens of Terrorists from Entering the Kibbutz
\n<\/strong>In the Shai family, Yaron was also the youngest son. \u201cHe was a strikingly handsome, charismatic young man, always ready to help others,\u201d Shai recalls. Yaron volunteered for the Nahal Brigade and, on that fateful Saturday, was stationed at the brigade\u2019s operations headquarters.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey took up positions in Kerem Shalom,\u201d Shai recounts. \u201cAlongside two other heroic fighters\u2014Captain Yoav Levinson and Omer Batito\u2014Yaron helped prevent dozens of Nukhba terrorists from infiltrating the kibbutz.\u201d<\/p>\n

The three stood their ground, physically stopping the terrorists and, in doing so, preventing a potential massacre not just in one kibbutz but in others across the border area. Yaron also managed to activate the alert team at a nearby base, saving the lives of all the observers stationed there.<\/p>\n

Tragically, Yaron was critically wounded in battle and arrived at the hospital with no pulse. \u201cWe lost a beloved son, a loyal friend, a talented young man who excelled in music, sports, and so much more.\u201d<\/p>\n

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Sergeant Yaron Uriel Shai z”l | Photo: Private<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Changing the “Social Conception”<\/strong>
\nIsraeli society today is full of divisions between different sectors and communities. How can these barriers be overcome? How can people truly begin to see and understand one another?<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cThe first step is open, honest, and calm dialogue,\u201d says Simchi. \u201cWe shouldn\u2019t scare people with talk of \u2018the end of democracy\u2019 or \u2018the collapse of governance.\u2019 Instead, we need to sit down and have real conversations.\u201d<\/p>\n

Simchi believes that the model he and Shai have developed is the right one. \u201cWe don\u2019t agree on everything, but we share a fundamental common ground: the State of Israel must not be torn apart.\u201d<\/p>\n

According to him, meaningful compromise requires both sides to be willing to give a little\u2014no one should expect to leave the table with everything they initially wanted. \u201cIf we can embrace that mindset, we can find common ground even on the most contentious issues.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Strength of Compromise
\n<\/strong>\u201cI completely agree with Dedi,\u201d Shai adds. \u201cJudaism is built on study, debate, and discussions that generate new insights. For thousands of years, our ability to embrace differences through constructive dialogue has been one of our greatest strengths.\u201d<\/p>\n

However, Shai notes that in recent years, an unfortunate mindset has taken hold in Israeli society\u2014one that equates compromise with weakness. \u201cMany see it as a retreat, as surrendering their values. I hear this argument frequently from my own camp, the liberal camp.\u201d<\/p>\n

Shai strongly rejects this notion. \u201cCompromise is not weakness; it is strength. Reaching agreements is a victory for principle\u2014an acknowledgment that despite our differences, we share more in common than what divides us.\u201d<\/p>\n

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\u201cAgreement is Strength\u201d: Dialogue Circles Between Sectors | Photo: \u201cUnity Now\u201d organization<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Shai hopes and prays that Israel after October 7 will be one where the dialogue will be conducted with the inclusion of the other side. “The striving for agreements is an aspiration for the victory of unity and the connection between us over everything else,” he concludes.<\/p>\n

Agreement on the Principles<\/strong>
\nHow does this approach translate into real-world solutions? For example, what does it mean for the commission of inquiry into the events of October 7?<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cFirst, we recognized that both of us deeply respect the judicial system,\u201d Simchi explains. \u201cWe agree that it must be independent, professional, and diverse. Once we established that foundation, we could move on to the details\u2014whether the commission should have five members or seven, whether specific judges should be involved, and so on. When there\u2019s agreement on core principles, everything else becomes easier to navigate.\u201d<\/p>\n

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\u201cA judicial system that is independent, professional, and diverse\u201d: The Supreme Court | Photo: Chaim Goldberg FLASH90<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Establishing the Committee
\n<\/strong>Shai echoes this sentiment. \u201cThe law states that a Supreme Court judge must head a commission of inquiry. Personally, I don\u2019t necessarily agree with this requirement, but I acknowledge that many in Israeli society feel strongly about it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Understanding these concerns, Shai and Simchi sought a balanced solution\u2014one that would address fears from both those who distrust the Supreme Court and those who insist on its involvement. \u201cWe\u2019ve been working for months to develop a consensus-driven approach to the commission\u2019s formation,\u201d Shai reveals.<\/p>\n

The Way to Find the Right Formula for the Commission of Inquiry<\/strong>
\nWhen looking at the points of contention, you can see a significant element of distrust in all of them. The feeling is that both sides, among the public and among public figures, have a significant lack of trust toward the other. How do we resolve such a situation?<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cIt all comes down to leadership,\u201d Shai asserts. \u201cTrue leaders set an example. They rise above divisions and unite people around shared goals.\u201d<\/p>\n

He points out that throughout history, weak leaders have used the tactic of \u2018divide and rule\u2019 to maintain power. \u201cBut we need a different model\u2014one based on serving the people, not ruling over them. Unfortunately, too many of our leaders in recent decades have done the opposite, exacerbating divisions rather than healing them.\u201d<\/p>\n

According to Shai, the consequences of this division became glaringly clear before October 7. \u201cOur enemies saw an Israeli society weakened by internal strife\u2014right versus left, government versus opposition. This isn\u2019t just a political problem; it\u2019s a national security issue.\u201d<\/p>\n

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Searching for Solutions: Simchi and Shai at a Committee in the Knesset | Photo: Private<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Shai turns to the public with a clear message: \u201cWe must demand better from our leaders. Leadership should be about uniting, not dividing.\u201d<\/p>\n

Simchi wholeheartedly agrees. \u201cThis applies to both the right and the left, to both the coalition and the opposition. We need leadership that prioritizes the nation above political gain.\u201d<\/p>\n

In these challenging times, he emphasizes, leaders must rise to the occasion. \u201cYes, the coalition holds power right now, but it should not wield it oppressively. At the same time, the opposition must avoid reactionary rhetoric that paints every policy as the \u2018end of democracy.\u2019 We are in mourning, we have hostages, and more battles may lie ahead. This is the moment for unity.\u201d<\/p>\n

Not Planning to Give Up<\/strong>
\nIs your direction for a solution already laid out?\u00a0 Is this the next step after the judicial compromise framework?<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cIf you mean are we ready to present an ordered position paper, then not yet,\u201d Simchi answers, but immediately talks of progress on the matter: \u201cWe invested many hours of discussions with coalition and opposition members, with the president, government officials, and prominent figures in the judicial system in order to advance the process. I hope that\u00a0 we will eventually find the time to put our paper on the Knesset\u00a0 table. I can tell you that we recently met with many bereaved families. They all want one thing, an objective and reliable commission of inquiry.\u201d<\/p>\n

Simchi mentions that the initial connection between him and the former minister started precisely because of the attempt to formulate a framework for an inquiry committee by consensus. And they do not intend to give up on these two demands: a commission of inquiry and agreement.<\/p>\n

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\u201cInstead of dividing, leaders must bring people together\u201d: Volunteers in the Fields | Photo: Eyal Margolin\/Flash90<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

We Must Demand True Leadership
\n<\/strong>Shai turns to Israeli society with a clear message: \u201cWe must demand more from our leaders. Leadership should unite and connect, not divide and inflame.\u201d<\/p>\n

He expands on this, emphasizing the role of public officials: \u201cA true leader serves the entire nation. Whether I voted for him or not, he is still my Prime Minister. The Minister of Justice is my minister. The President of the Supreme Court is my president. These leaders are meant to serve all of us. Elections may take place every four years, but once officials are in office, they must represent and work for the entire country\u2014not just their base. Leadership should never be about \u2018divide and rule.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n

Simchi fully agrees. \u201cThe key word here is leadership\u2014true leadership,\u201d he states. He stresses that this responsibility applies to both sides of the political spectrum. \u201cWe need leadership that rises above factionalism, from both the right and the left, from both the coalition and the opposition. It cannot be about one side screaming that every disagreement signals the \u2018end of democracy,\u2019 nor can it be about deliberately provoking the other side.\u201d<\/p>\n

Rising to the Occasion
\n<\/strong>In these critical times, Simchi stresses the need for leaders and citizens alike to rise to the historical moment. \u201cNow is the time to act together, to recognize the significance of this moment and meet it with unity,\u201d he urges.<\/p>\n

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Acknowledging the political reality, he calls for responsibility on both sides. \u201cYes, the coalition holds power, but it must govern without oppression. At the same time, the opposition must refrain from alarmist rhetoric, constantly declaring that democracy is collapsing.\u201d<\/p>\n

Despite the challenges, Simchi remains optimistic. \u201cThere is always a path forward. The State of Israel endures, continues to grow, and accomplishes incredible things. We are an extraordinary people. My hope is that our leaders will rise to the occasion and embrace the greatness of this nation.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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