Injured soldier Ari Spitz gives emotional speech on his combat experience in Gaza, the values that sustained him, and a call for unity, ‘As a Jew, I felt the deep privilege of defending my people in a war of morality, of standing up against evil.’
During Israel’s Independence Day ceremony at the Embassy in Washington, injured Israeli soldier Ari Spitz delivered a moving address recounting his experiences in combat and the values that guided him through his service. His remarks drew an emotional response from attendees and highlighted the difficult effects of the ongoing conflict.
“Ambassador, Dr. Leiter, esteemed guests, ladies and gentlemen—thank you for the invitation and the opportunity to speak,” Spitz began, setting a somber and sincere tone. “I would like to start my story on October 1st, 2023. I was 21 years old and had just completed my military service. I returned my equipment and was ready to begin a new chapter of civilian life.”
That chapter was cut short. Only a week later, on October 7th, Hamas launched what Spitz described as a “brutal attack,” prompting the urgent mobilization of thousands of Israeli soldiers, himself included.
“In the days that followed, my comrades and I prepared for what lay ahead. Then came the orders: we were going into Gaza,” Spitz recalled. “The hours before deployment were marked by intense reflection. Amid the fear and uncertainty, I held onto four guiding principles.”
He shared these principles with the audience.
First, as a Jew, he felt the profound responsibility and privilege of defending his people, especially given his family history. “My great-grandparents survived the Holocaust. They could never have imagined that one day, a Jewish soldier like me would stand armed to protect the Jewish people,” he said.
Second, as an Israeli, he spoke of his commitment to safeguarding the country’s future. “Israel must continue to exist and thrive as a secure homeland for Jews worldwide,” he stated.
Third, as a U.S. citizen, he felt a duty to stand with America’s closest ally. And fourth, as a human being, he saw the war as a moral struggle. “This is not merely a conflict between nations. It is a battle against those who believe that murder, rape, and kidnapping are acceptable acts.”
Spitz then recounted the day he was severely injured. On February 27, 2024, while conducting a routine building search in Gaza, his unit encountered a concealed tunnel. Before evacuation could occur, it was detonated by enemy forces. The explosion killed two officers instantly and wounded ten others, including Spitz.
“I was presumed dead. The field doctor checked my pulse to confirm, and when he found a faint one, he ordered my immediate evacuation,” he said. He was airlifted to a hospital, where he underwent eight surgeries and received 35 units of blood while in a medically induced coma for six weeks.
“I woke up to a new journey—a journey back to life,” Spitz said. “Through every step of recovery, I carry those four guiding thoughts with me.”
Concluding his address, Spitz called on the international community to remain steadfast in its support for Israel. “I urge you to help us fight evil—not only with weapons, but through our choices, actions, and values. Together, we can make the world not only safer—but better.”
He ended with a heartfelt blessing: “God bless Israel. God bless those who stand with Israel. And God bless the United States of America.”
