The Intersection of Tragedy and New Life
On June 11, Hadas Levy made history in a deeply moving way: she became the first woman to give birth to a child conceived through sperm retrieved from a fallen IDF soldier. This profound act of love honors her late fiancé, Capt. (res.) Netanel Silberg, who was killed during combat in Gaza in December 2023, a tragic outcome of the war ignited by the devastating October 7 massacre that claimed over 1,200 lives.
From Love at First Sight to Heart-Wrenching Farewell
Levy and Silberg's love story echoed the sentiments of many in a nation striving for peace amidst upheaval. They met on a blind date in May 2022, and their connection was immediate. “He was very handsome,” Levy reminisces about their first encounter, narrating his chivalrous nature and striking appearance:
“He waited for me outside his car, like a man from another era. He was the whole package.”
Yet, tragedy struck when Silberg answered the call of duty following the widespread violence of October 7, an act of bravery that ultimately led to his untimely death. Despite his exemption due to rank, he felt compelled to be among those fighting.
A Mother's Grief and Determination
Levy's world shattered the moment she learned of Silberg's death, receiving the heartbreaking news from his mother over a phone call. Yet, amid the sorrow, a flicker of hope emerged as she advocated for the retrieval of his sperm, a proposal met with immediate acceptance by his family:
“I just remember lying on the carpet and begging his mother on the phone to ask them to perform the procedure to collect Netanel's sperm. She said yes immediately.”
This groundbreaking procedure, necessitated by the tragic deaths of soldiers, has seen increased use since October 7, with medical professionals adapting swiftly to the dire circumstances.
The Clarity of Purpose
In the haze of overwhelming grief, Levy expressed her unwavering commitment to carry on Silberg's legacy through their child:
“I felt like there was no life without him... I wanted something from him growing inside me.”
Throughout her pregnancy, navigating tests and appointments alone without her partner tested her resilience. Yet, she forged ahead, always with Silberg in her heart and thoughts:
“With Netanel deceased, I had to rely on his mother for information about his family.”
She welcomed her son via C-section at Hadassah University Hospital on Mount Scopus in Jerusalem, echoing the love and commitment they had for each other. She purposefully chose not to name the child after his father, asserting:
“I love him because he is who he is, not because he is his father's son. I didn't call him Netanel. He is not a gravestone.”
Living Symbols of Loss and Life
Three months post-birth, Levy notes the physical resemblances between her son and Silberg, culminating in moments of warmth intertwined with the bitterness of absence:
“We look at pictures of Netanel already. He needs to be proud of his dad; his dad's story is one of bravery.”
Levy has become an unexpected beacon for other women in similar circumstances, forming a community of resilience among IDF widows pursuing parenthood through similar means. The IDF Widows and Orphans Organization provides invaluable support as these families navigate emotional, legal, and medical landscapes.
A Message of Continuity and Hope
Inherently intertwined with the legacy of their fallen loved ones, Levy emphasizes the need for a child's identity to be their own and not defined by their father's absence. She encourages those considering this path:
“You must want the child for the child and not for his father who was killed. It's something that is forgotten sometimes. It's continuity; it's life and it's amazing.”
In a world where loss and courage intertwine, Hadas Levy's journey underscores the intricate human experience of love, grief, and the relentless drive to create life anew, proving that even amidst sorrow, hope can flourish.
Source reference: https://www.foxnews.com/world/israeli-woman-becomes-first-conceive-child-fathered-idf-soldier-killed-hamas-war
