19-year-old Ori Locker was serving in the Golani Brigade stationed north of the Gaza border on October 7, 2023. The horrific attack by Hamas saw him and his patrol in a desperate firefight where they heroically fell defending their country. Now, The Times of Israel reports that Locker’s father, Eyal, and twin brother, Tamir, have joined the IDF on the frontlines after channeling grief into action.
Before being called to their respective bases and duties, Tamir and Eyal remained home until the casualty officers visited them to confirm Ori’s whereabouts. At the time, Tamir was on leave from the army and Eyal was called up for reserve duty. Since then, at age 21 Tamir has climbed the ranks to paratrooper commander and Eyal still continues to volunteer in the reserves as a deputy company commander at 53.
“At the end of the day, the feeling of actively contributing [to the war effort] is a feeling that no amount of money can compare to,” he said. “To give from yourself and not expect anything in return –it’s something that does me good.”
After the time spent with Eyal’s reserve unit, Tamir said he wants to follow in his father’s footsteps.
“Until the age of 50 or more, however much my body will allow me, I’ll be there in the reserves,” he said citing his father as his inspiration. “I see my dad and his friends. I see the smile in their eyes.”
Eyal said the camaraderie of his fellow reservists has been a crucial source of support in the aftermath of Ori’s death –a bond that helped him carry the weight of loss.
Reserve duty in the IDF is rare for those over 50, as this is the usual age cap. But this doesn’t stop older Israelis like Eyal from continuing to volunteer. In fact, soldiers over 50 make up five percent of the IDF’s reserve forces – and the number of volunteers has increased 50 percent since October 7. Eyal said he plans to stay in the reserves as long as his body allows him.
God’s blessings give soldiers and defenders of Israel their strength and motivations – with family an equally powerful factor. Israelis like Tamir and Eyal have refocused their grief over a lost loved one into continuing the mission of protecting Israel and her people. The Fellowship continues to pray for and support these brave families in the quest for shalom, peace.
