The National Jewish Assembly (NJA) is delighted to announce the success of its latest Speaker Series event, “Gaza Through The Eyes of an IDF Combat Medic: One Year On.” Held in conjunction with the World Zionist Organization (WZO), the virtual event on October 14 via Zoom featured special guest Dr. Tuvia Book, who shared his personal experiences as an IDF combat medic operating in Gaza.
During the event, Dr. Book reflected on the past year since the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war and provided valuable insights into the life-saving work carried out by his unit on the battlefield. “We’ve been at this for a year, and the morale is still high,” he said. “People often ask if we’re tired, but the commitment to getting the job done remains undiminished.”
Dr. Book detailed the critical operations of his unit, which focuses on medical evacuations from the front lines, often under fire. “Our goal is to get a wounded soldier from the battlefield to the hospital within an hour. Many people thought it was impossible, but with the expertise of our team, advanced medical technology, and rapid transport, we’ve made it a reality,” he explained.
He also shared powerful stories, such as the heroic actions of female soldiers during the October 7 attack, highlighting their courage and skill. One of the standout stories was about Tal Sarah, a female soldier whose all-women tank unit played a crucial role in stopping Hamas forces. “These eight women fought for 18 hours, saving a kibbutz and blocking a border breach. They killed nearly 100 terrorists that day.”
NJA Chairman Gary Mond praised the event as a resounding success: “We are grateful to Dr. Book for sharing his firsthand experiences with our community. His stories of bravery and resilience resonate with us all and serve as a reminder of the courage of those defending Israel.”
The NJA looks forward to hosting future events that continue to educate and inspire the community. The recording of the event can be accessed here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UOB6owrugNY
