What’s new:

On October 7, without awaiting orders, IDF Lt. Col. Roi Siboni left his family and headed towards the battlefront to confront Hamas terrorists, leading a mission to save lives and recover bodies from the Nova Music Festival massacre.

Why it matters:

The actions of Siboni and his team highlight the quick response and resilience of the IDF in the face of terror attacks. The recovery of 228 bodies by Siboni and his men underscores the severe consequences of such attacks and the heavy price of conflict.

By the numbers:

On that fateful day, 228 people lost their lives, and IDF Lt. Col. Siboni played a critical role in rescuing survivors and retrieving the deceased amidst harrowing circumstances.

The backdrop:

Lt. Col. Siboni, a 43-year-old officer with a family of his own, encountered scenes of horror as he and his team cleared the IDF base of terrorists and proceeded to the massacre site, where they witnessed the aftermath of the attack.

Details:

Siboni’s team, consisting of five officers, engaged in direct combat, facing explosives and gunfire, and successfully neutralized the terrorist threat at the IDF base. They then addressed the chaos at the festival site, an operation that involved the recovery and identification of numerous victims devastated by the attack.

The big picture:

The IDF’s response demonstrates Israel’s commitment to the safety of its citizens and the extreme challenges faced by its soldiers during times of conflict. Siboni’s reflection on the events reveals the psychological toll such incidents take on those involved in the rescue and recovery missions.

Personal angle:

Lt. Col. Siboni’s first-hand account shows the profound impact on soldiers who are often the first responders in the aftermath of terror. Their dedication to duty and the sacrifice it entails are stark reminders of the constant threat Israel faces and the valiance of its defense forces.

This story was first published on ynetnews.com.