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Last month, Chaim and Miriam Ratner, leaders at our Voice of Judah Israel/Beit Hallel Congregation, held a memorial celebration night on what would have been their son David’s 21st birthday. At the event, Chaim shared the faith his son cherished, and it became quite clear this faith transcends well beyond his passing. IDF soldiers and families who lost loved ones in the war were deeply touched by Yeshua that night. The Ratners had no idea how much until last week.
One of David’s close friends, Shlomi, is a young Ethiopian Jewish soldier who came to the Ratners to pay his respects. At the start of the war, he completed training for the elite Golani Brigade, one of the IDF’s most highly decorated infantry units, and has since been fighting Hamas terrorists in Gaza. It has been a difficult few months for this young man. The toll of war weighs heavy. Add to that the loss of a close friend, and it’s almost unbearable.
When Shlomi arrived, the Ratners couldn’t help but notice the deep sadness in their son’s dear friend. He’s still very much mourning the loss of David and was embraced by the couple at the start of their visit. They spoke at length over coffee about army life and how hard it has been. The Ratners felt God calling them to comfort the young
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