Unpublished Letter by Late IDF Officer Hadar Goldin Reveals Leadership Vision
A personal letter written by the late IDF officer Hadar Goldin before his death in Gaza reveals his leadership values, dedication to soldiers, and views on unity.
A personal letter written by the late IDF officer Hadar Goldin months before he was killed and abducted in the Gaza Strip has been published, shedding light on his leadership approach and deep dedication to his subordinates. The document was released one year after his remains were returned to Israel.
Written at the request of his former commander, Col. (res.) Ido Asraf, the letter details Goldin's efforts to assist soldiers facing severe personal and professional dilemmas. In the text, Goldin reflected on his duties as a commander, the challenges of military service, and bridging ideological divides within the ranks.
Supporting Soldiers in Hardship
Among the cases highlighted in the letter was an immigrant soldier from Ethiopia who arrived in Israel two and a half years prior to his service. After learning Hebrew, the soldier worked tirelessly in kitchens and hotels to help his family leave an absorption center and purchase an apartment.
Upon visiting the soldier's crowded family home, Goldin discovered broken appliances and a lack of basic living conditions. Taking matters into his own hands, the officer arranged for essential household items—including a refrigerator, stove, microwave, and kettle—to be delivered to their new home.
When financial pressures mounted and the soldier considered shifting to non-combat service to support his younger brother's education, Goldin intervened alongside welfare officials to stabilize the situation, ensuring the soldier could maintain his combat role without abandoning his family.
Defining Duty and Unity
Another case involved a capable combat soldier who expressed a desire to leave the infantry, stating he felt no connection to military service or combat gear. Goldin spoke with the soldier about the true meaning of duty, describing it not as empty slogans, but as standing shoulder to shoulder during times of conflict.
Goldin also shared a personal anecdote about his close bond with a fellow commander who held opposite political views: "That is the beauty of the army—you meet people without barriers, working together and caring for one another regardless of differences."
Although the soldier ultimately chose to leave the combat track, Goldin concluded the letter by emphasizing how leadership challenges continually pushed him to grow. Asraf, who preserved the letter, noted that Goldin's deep love for humanity defined his character and legacy.
