The IDF officers� training school, Ba�ad 1, on Wednesday graduated the largest class in history, 398 new officers. Among the new 2nd-lieutenants was Uriel Wachsman, the brother of Sergeant Nachshon Wachsman HY�D, who was kidnapped by terrorists in 1994 and eventually murdered in Dir Naballah, an Arab village just north of the Atarot area of the capital. It was Nachshon�s abduction that generated worldwide prayers and the lighting of Shabbos candles, but despite the international effort and the heroic rescue mission of a Sayeret Matkal commando force, he was not saved. Captain Nir Poraz HY�D was killed in the attempt to save Nachshon.

When Nachshon was murdered, Uriel was eight, but today, he is a member of the Nachal combat forces.

Uriel admits when he decided he wished to serve in a combat unit it was a bit difficult for his parents, especially his mother, but after he explained his reasons she agreed, and accompanied him to the appropriate officer to sign on the forms.

(If a child in killed in service, any subsequent children wishing to serve in combat units must obtain permission in writing from both parents).

(Yechiel Spira � YWN Israel)