A Legacy of Resilience
When Col. (Res.) Eli Konigsberg dons his military uniform at the age of 57, he embodies more than just rank; he embodies history and sacrifice. His legacy is deeply rooted in the harrowing past of his family, nearly obliterated during the Holocaust. Konigsberg is a compelling figure not only for his military service but for what he symbolizes in the narrative of Jewish resilience and identity.
A Personal Journey Through History
As we observe International Holocaust Remembrance Day, Konigsberg's story resonates with the haunting memory of tragedy and survival. "Both of my parents are Holocaust survivors," he recounts, his voice steady but tinged with emotion. "My father belonged to a large Orthodox family in Poland, but after the Holocaust, it dwindled to just three: my father and two cousins from 700."
“What we saw on Oct. 7 was killing for the sake of killing, not to conquer territory or change reality. It was hatred for the sake of hatred.” - Col. Eli Konigsberg
From Surviving to Serving
His father's arduous journey post-war underscores the resolve that characterizes Konigsberg's own path. After enduring Auschwitz, his father sought refuge in Israel, becoming a soldier in the War of Independence. "He enlisted, fought in multiple wars, and served in the reserves for over 55 years," Konigsberg proudly states, highlighting the unwavering commitment to his homeland that has defined generations of his family.
Confronting Silence and Embracing Duty
Konigsberg often reflects on the silence surrounding the Holocaust in his childhood home. The trauma of the past, while rarely spoken about, shaped his philosophy towards his duties. He believes that the memories of survivors are not just personal but collective responsibilities of the Jewish community. “We are 80 years after the Holocaust, and the people who can say 'I was there. I saw' are disappearing. Therefore, the duty of remembrance is our duty,” he emphasizes, illustrating the urgency with which he approaches his role as a leader and protector.
Defending the Living
His battle against forgotten history transforms into a commitment to protect the living. Following the recent escalation of conflict with Hamas, Konigsberg was called back to duty. His experiences on the ground serve as a reminder of the stark realities Israel faces. "Since Oct. 7, I have commanded rescue units and operations to identify and eliminate threats in Gaza. The reality is fraught with trauma but also highlights the strength of Israeli society," he remarks.
Foreshadowing Collective Responsibility
Antisemitism, Konigsberg argues, is a persistent threat that demands vigilance. “We see now that antisemitism existed and will continue to exist in the future,” he asserts, backed by the global reactions to Israel throughout history. This calls for collective remembrance and an understanding that the fight against hatred is ongoing.
Unity in Diversity
What stands out in Konigsberg's narrative is the unifying nature of military service in Israel, where varied political beliefs converge for a common goal. "In the reserves, we hold different opinions, yet we work as one body," he explains, reinforcing the crucial notion of unity in times of crisis.
Conclusion: Ensuring 'Never Again'
Through the lens of Col. Eli Konigsberg, we witness a poignant blending of personal history with broader themes of courage, responsibility, and survival. His commitment echoes an essential truth: it is not merely about remembering the past but committing to protect the future for all Jews. As he asserts, “The place of every Jew is here in Israel, and we must always remain united and strong to ensure that 'never again' truly means never again.”
Source reference: https://www.foxnews.com/world/from-700-murdered-relatives-3-survivors-holocaust-descendant-leads-israeli-forces-after-oct-7-attacks
