A shared destiny: Remembering the fallen of the South Lebanon Army

Around 650 soldiers from the South Lebanon Army (SLA) have fallen in battle. This year, their memory resonates more profoundly than ever. They were always there, and we have endeavored to honor and remember them. They fell fighting for peace and goodwill, writes Jonathan Elkhoury on X.

"The events of October 7th have reminded numerous families of the SLA, both in Israel and abroad, of the original reason for its creation, and why they joined in a sacred alliance between two different peoples with the common desire to end wars and hope for a better life in both beautiful countries of Lebanon and Israel," continues Jonathan Elkhoury.

For Elkhoury, who belongs to the second generation of the SLA, the choice is clear. "On the human side against Palestinian terrorism that we experienced firsthand in Lebanon, and immediately after, also against Hezbollah's terrorism. Many of us, in the early days of the war, set up support centers and provided equipment and aid to IDF soldiers at the northern border, the soldiers whose fathers had fought alongside our fathers. Others are on the information front, and some currently serve in the IDF and are on the front lines."

A Legacy of Shared Fate

"This shared destiny continues with us; our history is clear and so is our present on whose side we stand," concludes the Lebanese author.

Elkhoury's reflections serve not only as a memorial but also as a reminder of the enduring bonds and shared destinies between the people of these two nations.