Inside the Lives of Families Affected by Israel's Reserve Duty
The quiet home front: Inside the emotional battlefield of Israel’s reserve duty families
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Neora, 32, has navigated the emotional challenges of her partner E.'s active reserve duty in Israel, which intensified after the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks. Their relationship has faced strains due to the demands of military service, yet they remain committed to building a future together, including plans for a family.
- 01Neora's brother died in active military service, which has compounded her emotional challenges during E.'s reserve duty.
- 02E. has served approximately 500 days in active reserve duty since the October 7 attacks, with tours across multiple fronts.
- 03The couple has recognized the toll of war on their intimacy and relationship dynamics, often feeling distant during E.'s deployments.
- 04Neora describes her coping strategy as 'functioning' through busy tasks, like setting up their home, to manage anxiety and fear.
- 05Their wedding in December 2024 incorporated elements of grief, using Neora's late brother's tallit, symbolizing their journey through loss and love.
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Neora, 32, has been coping with the emotional toll of her partner E.'s active reserve duty in Israel, which has intensified since the Hamas-led attacks on October 7, 2023. The couple, who met while studying at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, has faced significant challenges, especially after Neora lost her brother in military service. E., a paratrooper, has been deployed for approximately 500 days, often leaving Neora to manage their home and emotional wellbeing alone. She describes her coping mechanism as 'functioning,' focusing on daily tasks to distract from the anxiety of his absence and the fear of losing him. Their relationship has been strained by the demands of military life, creating a gap between their needs when E. returns home. Despite these challenges, they remain committed to each other and are planning to start a family, envisioning a future built on love and resilience. Their wedding in December 2024 was a blend of joy and grief, marked by the use of Neora's late brother's tallit, symbolizing their journey through loss and the hope for a gentler life ahead.
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The ongoing conflict and reserve duty have profound effects on families, impacting their emotional health and relationships.
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