In a powerful and emotionally charged visit to the Tel Hashomer Recruitment Center on Sunday, IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir delivered a message that cut through the fog of war and political finger-pointing: Israel’s female field observers—those often-overlooked soldiers staring for hours at flickering screens—stood as a final, vital line of defense on the darkest day in modern Israeli history.
“The war has proven more than ever that the female observers are an indispensable part of maintaining the security of the State,” Zamir declared. “They are the eyes of the nation. Let it be clear: the IDF failed on October 7—but the female observers did not fail. They were the first to act. They showed courage, heroism, and clarity under unimaginable pressure.”
Zamir’s comments come amid renewed calls from grieving families for the IDF to properly honor the fallen heroines of Nahal Oz—female soldiers who alerted authorities of suspicious activity, warned of Hamas’ preparations, and ultimately gave their lives to defend Israel while command structures crumbled around them.
🚨 IDF Chief of Staff Zamir to female observers who are enlisting today: “The IDF failed on 7/10 - the female observers on duty did not fail. They were the first to act with courage and heroism under fire." pic.twitter.com/YgxRtOXRcl
— Raylan Givens (@JewishWarrior13) April 6, 2025
“They Were Abandoned in Life—and in Death”
The emotional weight of the conversation was deepened last Thursday when bereaved parents of the fallen observers and operations NCOs at Nahal Oz sent a searing letter to Lt.-Gen. Zamir and Defense Minister Israel Katz. In it, they demanded that the IDF formally recognize the bravery, foresight, and sacrifice of their daughters—not just as tragic symbols of military failure, but as genuine heroines of the Jewish state.
“They were abandoned in life, abandoned to die, abandoned in death,” the letter read. “But they acted with courage and saved lives. The IDF must award them a decoration that reflects their bravery.”
He's right! New IDF Chief of Staff, Eyal Zamir, speaking today with new female observer soldiers drafted into the military:
— Arsen Ostrovsky 🎗️ (@Ostrov_A) April 6, 2025
“The IDF failed on October 7, but the female observers who were on duty did not fail. They were the first to act with courage and bravery under fire.” pic.twitter.com/y3epttvHQ3
The letter, signed by the parents of 17 young women who perished on October 7, recounts details from a military debriefing they received weeks earlier. “Our daughters warned about the drills, the buildup, the white Toyotas—they knew what was coming. They reported it. And still, nothing was done,” the letter lamented. “Even as they were being hunted, they continued to protect others.”
According to the debriefing, female soldiers in the Nahal Oz base’s operations room remained at their posts even as terrorists stormed the facility. “They reported until the very last moment—at the cost of their lives—with professionalism and resolve,” the parents wrote. “They guided forces across the region, knowing full well their own lives were in danger.”
Change of protocol for “Observers”.
— The Window (@wodniweht) April 4, 2025
All female observers in Judea and Samaria received personal weapons this week, after a range exercise they carried out, as part of the measures being taken by the IDF in accordance with the Oct. 7 lessons. pic.twitter.com/L2R9winHMv
And in the shelter, the stories of valor are even more visceral.
Two unarmed, barefoot female lookouts—wearing pajamas—deflected grenades thrown into their exposed shelter with their bare hands. “They acted heroically and saved lives,” the letter affirms. These were not warriors with rifles and body armor. These were teenage girls in sleeping clothes, facing terrorists in a fight for their lives—and the lives of others.
A Call for National Honor
Zamir’s visit was not just ceremonial. He was joined by Human Resources chief Maj.-Gen. Dado Bar Kalifa, who reinforced the army’s commitment to inclusivity and national duty. “The IDF’s position is clear,” Kalifa said. “Equality of burden. Whoever gives more—will receive more.”
But for the families of the fallen, rhetoric is not enough. With Israel’s Memorial Day approaching, their plea is for action—to engrave their daughters’ names in the official annals of Israeli heroism.
“We believe the IDF should formally acknowledge the heroism of the Nahal Oz lookouts and operations NCOs by awarding a decoration that reflects their bravery, sacrifice, and total dedication to duty,” the parents wrote. “Their legacy must be one of valor, not neglect.”
Not Just Victims—But Heroines
This war has made it painfully clear: Israel’s defense is not solely the domain of elite combat units or technological marvels. Sometimes, it rests in the hands of 19-year-old girls with headphones and computers, watching the border for signs no one else wants to see.
They should not be remembered as victims of a bureaucratic failure. They should be enshrined as guardians of the homeland—women who stood their ground when the nation’s defenses faltered.
The Chief of the General Staff at the Recruitment of Female Observers:
— Israel War Room (@IsraelWarRoom) April 6, 2025
Today (Sunday), the Chief of the General Staff, LTG Eyal Zamir, visited the recruitment of female observers at the Tel HaShomer recruitment office, accompanied by the Head of the Personnel Directorate, MG… pic.twitter.com/WdoyUsA7AY
Let history record their names not only among the fallen—but among Israel’s fiercest defenders:
Shahaf Nisani, Aviv Hajaj, Shiret Yam Amar, Maya Vialobo Polo, Noa Marciano, Shai Asherem, Hadar Miriam Cohen, Shirel Mor, Yael Leibushor, Yam Glass, Adi Landman, Noa Preis, Shira Shochat, Noam Abramovich, Osher Simcha Barzilai, Shirel Chaim Por—may their memories forever be a blessing.
And may the IDF, and all of Israel, honor their courage as the spark that held the line when all else failed.
