Captain Hagai Lev, æ"ì, was killed last year in Rafiach, while uncovering tunnels used by the Arabs to smuggle weapons from Egypt into the Gaza Strip. He was an exemplary soldier, a devoted Jew, and a loving husband and son. His mother, Noa Lev, has written a beautiful book about Hagai, "The Smile of Courage--My Son, My Soldier", and has dedicated the proceeds from this book to the Atzmona Pre-Army Yeshiva.

The book, written in English by Noa, who was raised in the US (Senator Joe Lieberman was one of her babysitters) before making Aliyah on her own 35 years ago, shows us how a normal, rowdy (to say the least!) Israeli kid becomes a serious, talented, respected, loved and cherished officer in the Israeli army. She gives an inside view into the life of a soldier and his family and we see first hand how Hagai dedicated his life, so that we can live, and how he did so willingly and without ever complaining. The support of his family and wife obviously facilitated his ability to contribute. The book also serves as a lesson in deep faith in G-d and unbounded love.

Reading the book is an experience you should not miss. All the proceeds go to the pre military Yeshiva in Atzmona, where Hagai studied for 18 months and will thereby help perpetuate Hagai's name.

The book also remembers the 11 former students (and unfortunately, the number has now grown with Lt. Daniel Mandel’s æ"ì murder) who were killed sanctifying Hashem's name in the Yeshiva or in war.

This book should be sold throughout Israel, and in the Diaspora as well. Its circulation overseas will help raise the awareness level about life in Israel, and how our soldiers fulfill their mission of protecting our country.

Noa Lev can be reached at noalev@mcc.org.il

Reprinted From the "Author’s Corner" of the AACI bulletin