Avigdor Kahalani: From Survival to Bravery on the Battlefield

In the documentary *Oz 77*, Avigdor Kahalani recounts a pivotal moment during the fierce battles on the Golan Heights in the Yom Kippur War: "With no other options left, I resorted to my last 'weapon'. I told my soldiers: 'Look at the Syrians, look at what good fighters they are. What has happened to us? We are better than them.' Then I shouted over the radio: 'What do I see in my battalion, cowards?' As I began to advance, I saw another tank join me and then another one." Fifty-two years have passed since that war, during which the holy day was interrupted by sirens and attacks on Israel's northern and southern fronts. Kahalani commanded a battalion of 44 tanks in the Golan, fighting in the valley that would later be called 'Valley of Tears' due to the intense battles. Despite facing a massive array of Syrian tanks and suffering many losses, the end saw Israeli tanks just miles from Damascus. For his role, Kahalani was awarded the Medal of Valor. Now 81, Kahalani has amassed an impressive military, managerial, and political career, and remains active in various volunteer activities. "I was severely wounded in the Six-Day War," he recalls, "burned over 60% of my body with third-degree burns, and underwent 12 surgeries." Determined not to live with a disability or be pitied, Kahalani returned to tank combat, a decision he calls the most crucial of his life. In the Yom Kippur War, Kahalani served as the commander of Tank Battalion 77. Around Rosh Hashanah, he and his forces were moved from Sinai to the Golan Heights. "Personally, I thought there would be some symbolic attempt to take a piece of the Golan, not a full-scale war," he admits. "I'm grateful to Hashem that when the war broke out, we were there with a well-trained regular army." During battles, the expression 'few against many' took on new meaning, with Israeli tanks often facing overwhelming odds. On the fourth day, Kahalani was called back to the 'Valley of Tears'. "The challenge was to reclaim the positions the Syrians had taken," he recounts. Facing four Syrian tanks by himself, Kahalani used his tank experience to eliminate them swiftly. "There's always fear," he acknowledges, "but courage is overcoming that fear." As he maneuvered forces back to the Valley of Tears, there came an unexpected order to capture Damascus, which seemed reckless at the time. Despite initial hesitation, he recognized the strategic value once Israeli tanks were within striking distance of the Syrian capital. During the war, Kahalani suffered personal loss; his brother and brother-in-law were killed. He learned of their deaths only after the conflict, a choice he believes was ultimately right, given his command responsibilities. This tragic news underscored the resolve to continue fighting, a sentiment he shares with grieving families today. For his bravery, Kahalani was awarded both the Medal of Valor and Medal of Distinguished Service, making him one of only two to receive both distinctions. Though he stays humble about his honors, noting they don't compare to personal joys like the birth of a child, Kahalani sees them as essential for inspiring future generations. Reflecting on recent events, Kahalani observes, "Our enemies won't leave us alone. My message to the Jews worldwide is to come home, because this is your place." He believes that eventually, the world will seek out Israel's resilience and abilities, recognizing its strength.