Elkana Vizel was an Israeli soldier who died in Gaza this week. He was 35 and a father of four. He wrote this letter to his family before going into battle.

If you are reading these words, something probably happened to me. First of all, if I am taken prisoner by Hamas I demand that you do not make any deal to free me from any terrorist. Our crushing victory is more important than anything else, so please, just keep on working with all your might so our victory will be as crushing as possible.

Maybe I will have fallen in battle. When a soldier falls in battle it’s sad. But I ask of you, be happy. Don’t be sad when you part from me. Sing a lot, hold each other’s hands, and support each other. We have so much to be happy about and proud of. We are the generation of redemption! We are writing the most significant moments in the history of our nation and the entire world. So please be optimistic. Continue choosing life constantly. Lives of love, hope, purity, and optimism. Look at those dear to you in the white of their eyes and remind them that everything they go through in life is worth it and they have a lot to live for.

Live! Don’t stop the power of life for a moment! During Operation Protective Edge I was injured. I had the option to stay behind, but I don’t regret for a moment that I returned to combat. On the contrary, that was the best decision I ever made.

Simply beautiful. My uncle had the same understanding of being a part of something bigger and more significant than oneself. Such young men.