IDF Nahal Brigade Marks Three Years Since October 7 at Memorial Gathering
Three years after October 7, the IDF Nahal Brigade gathered at its combat monument. Commander Col. Arik Moyal honored fallen soldiers, recalled the bravery of October 7, and stressed the ongoing mission to achieve victory over the enemy.
Three years after the October 7 attacks, the IDF Nahal Brigade gathered today at the brigade's combat monument alongside commanders, fighters, and bereaved families. Brigade Commander Colonel Arik Moyal spoke about the heavy toll the brigade has borne since the outbreak of the war, the heroism of the soldiers, and the clear mission that remains: victory over the enemy.
The Opening Moments of War
Moyal recalled the opening moments of the October 7 offensive and the radio transmission of Major Ido Shani, deputy commander of the Nahal Reconnaissance Unit and commander of the Kerem Shalom sector at the time. At 06:43, Shani broadcast: "War, I repeat, we are at war. Everyone defend your sector, kill terrorists, good luck."
Moyal noted that Shani's actions, operational sharpness, and pursuit of contact saved many lives. "The brigade's ranks have been missing members since that day," he said. "We have lost many commanders and fighters, and sustained wounded in body and mind, some of whom have not yet returned home."
He also revealed the personal price he has borne, sharing that his brother Shaul fell about two years ago in an engagement in Lebanon alongside five other reserve soldiers from the reserve Nahal Brigade.
A Day of National Heroism
Moyal described October 7 as a day that will be remembered with pain, failure, and uncertainty, but also as a day that revealed "heroism, determination, and the fighting spirit of citizens, fighters, and commanders who stood at the front and declared 'Here I am'."
"A clear thread runs through the heroism of Yoni, Bernash, Ido, Roi, Grushka, Shamriz, Kula, Shaul, and many others—a thread of self-sacrifice, courage, and humility," Moyal stated. "This is not a private day of memorial and mourning. It is a day of remembrance for the national heroism that erupted that day."
Moyal emphasized that since the beginning of the war, regular and reserve personnel of the brigade have been operating across all fronts. "In every sector where we operate and in every challenge, because we are always first—this is the spirit of the brigade," he added.
Looking Ahead to Future Missions
Concluding his remarks, the brigade commander addressed the fighters and commanders, stating that in every encounter with them he sees "belief in the justice of the path and commitment to the country and its citizens."
"We remember what was and fully understand that many missions still lie ahead, and our role is to fulfill the responsibility placed upon us," Moyal concluded. "Our brothers, heroes of glory, left us bright tracks leading to one clear goal: victory over our enemies. This is our duty, and let our enemies know that no other outcome will satisfy us."
