In Israel’s army, more officers are now religious

(The Christian Science Monitor) A cease-fire had just gone into effect on August 1 when Palestinian militants ambushed an Israeli reconnaissance team in southern Gaza.

Someone shouted, “Goldin’s gone!”

Lt. Hadar Goldin had been kidnapped—dragged into a nearby Hamas tunnel—and his commander killed. Lt. Eitan Fund, the deputy commander, quickly resolved to pursue the captors. Ditching all of his gear save a pistol and a flashlight, the lanky 23-year-old ran hundreds of meters into the darkness, hurtling past weapons, explosives, and other tunnels. He and his small team found the missing officer’s equipment, but not Goldin.