Israeli Woman Triumphs Amid Tragedy: First to Give Birth to Child of Fallen IDF Soldier

Israeli Woman Triumphs Amid Tragedy: First to Give Birth to Child of Fallen IDF Soldier

On June 11, Hadas Levy marked a significant milestone by becoming the first woman to give birth to a child fathered by a soldier who was killed in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. This tragic war, ignited by the October 7 massacre, claimed an alarming number of lives, totaling over 1,200.

Levy’s fiancé, Capt. (res.) Netanel Silberg, lost his life in combat in Gaza in December 2023. The couple’s journey began in May 2022 when they met on a blind date, igniting a connection that would forever change their lives.

“He was incredibly handsome. When he arrived to pick me up, he waited outside his car, embodying the charm of an earlier era. He stood tall at approximately 1.80 meters (about 5 feet, 11 inches) and was well-built. When he took off his glasses, his stunning green eyes caught my attention. He truly was the whole package,” Levy recounted in an interview.

A Call to Arms

As the extent of the devastation following the October 7 attacks became clear, Silberg felt a compelling urge to enlist alongside his fellow soldiers. Although his age and rank typically exempted him from serving in Gaza, his sense of duty led him to join the initial deployment.

“I repeatedly urged him not to go, but he felt restless. He went to retrieve his army gear from his parents, promising to return soon, but instead, he headed straight to the battlefield,” Levy shared, recalling that fateful decision.

During a brief leave the following month, Silberg proposed to Levy, purchasing a ring as a symbol of their commitment.

“We got engaged around November, but we chose to forgo a celebration. We never discussed the possibility of losing him, as we somehow believed it wasn’t an option,” she said, reflecting on their aspirations for the future.

The Unthinkable News

On December 18, 2023, the tragic news broke—Silberg had been killed in action.

“I was at work that morning. Though I don’t consider myself spiritual, I experienced an overwhelming sense of nausea that required me to step away and spit into a garbage can. I returned home early, only to later discover that this distressing feeling coincided with the moment of his death,” Levy recalled.

As Levy learned of Silberg’s death through a phone call from his mother, a crucial decision loomed. Despite not being married, she understood the importance of preserving his legacy.

“I distinctly remember lying on the carpet, pleading with his mother to request the procedure to collect Netanel’s sperm. Her immediate response was one of agreement,” Levy said, emphasizing the urgency of her request.

A Shift in Protocol

The procedure for collecting sperm from deceased soldiers, once a rarity, gained prominence following the events of October 7. According to Dr. Eran Altman, who oversees the sperm bank and men’s infertility clinic at Rabin Medical Center–Beilinson Hospital, the process has become increasingly common due to the tragic circumstances surrounding many families.

“In the week following October 7, amid the mass fatalities, there was a delay in identifying the bodies. We received them several days later and attempted to retrieve sperm. Unfortunately, after more than 72 hours, the samples typically lose viability,” he explained.

Since these events, the Israeli army has enhanced its efficiency in handling casualties. Bodies are now expedited to their destination, enabling soldiers to arrive in uniforms and gear, ultimately facilitating quicker procedures.

The collected sperm is preserved in liquid nitrogen at temperatures reaching -196 degrees Celsius, ensuring its viability for many years.

Previously, retrieving samples from fallen soldiers necessitated a court order. However, following October 7, temporary amendments to the law now allow for the procedure to proceed without such orders, though usage still requires legal documentation. At Altman’s clinic, eleven sperm samples from Silberg were successfully collected.

Embarking on the Journey of Motherhood

During the shiva, the seven-day Jewish mourning period, Levy informed Silberg’s mother of her plan to conceive using the sperm samples. She spoke candidly about her feelings during this tumultuous time.

“Without him, life felt impossible. I realized that this was my sole opportunity to bring something of him into this world. I longed for a living part of him to grow inside me,” she stated.

The Challenges of Solo Pregnancy

Levy soon faced the realities of navigating pregnancy without her partner. Every prenatal appointment was a reminder of his absence, and she had to constantly explain to others about the father of her child. With Silberg gone, genetic screenings became challenging, and she often depended on his mother for insights about his family history.

In June, Levy gave birth to her son via a C-section at Hadassah University Hospital on Mount Scopus in Jerusalem, the same hospital where she had undergone the insemination procedure.

“My love for him is unconditional; it is based on who he is, not solely on his connection to his father. I chose not to name him after Netanel; he is not a gravestone but an individual with his own identity,” she emphasized.

Now, just three months later, her son exhibits features reminiscent of Silberg, including his nose and ears. Levy remarked that Silberg would likely have been displeased, as he often criticized his own appearance.

“We frequently look at pictures of Netanel. It is important for my son to know he has a father and a family proud of his legacy built on bravery,” she remarked fondly.

Supporting Others in Similar Situations

Levy has become a beacon of hope for women seeking advice and guidance on the journey to parenthood under similar circumstances. In addition to her story, around six other IDF widows are now pursuing motherhood using sperm collected from their late husbands.

The IDF Widows and Orphans Organization provides invaluable resources, offering emotional, legal, and medical assistance as families navigate this complicated process.

“It is essential to desire a child for the child’s sake and not solely as a continuation of the father who was lost. That distinction can often be overlooked. The child deserves to be recognized as their own person, independent from their father’s legacy. To all the women contemplating this, I encourage you to follow your heart. It embodies continuity, life, and a profound sense of purpose,” Levy concluded.