Aharon Nazaroff’s mother prayed for ten long and hard years to have a child. Finally, her prayers were answered and she was given her only child, Aharon. Naturally, his mother did not want him to serve in the IDF-- much less in its combat unit-- but in the end, Aharon’s insistence to fight for his country won out.
Although his base was located close to home, the ride entailed passage through several hostile Arab villages, a route considered a prime target for terrorist attacks. Many people in Israel unfortunately have been victims of terror attacks on one unlucky occasion. Aharon survived six separate ordeals.
On a blistering summer day, Aharon was sitting on a bus as it approached its next stop just a few feet away. At the station there was a terrorist dressed as a religious Jew in a long jacket. Because it had been so hot, a policeman became suspicious of the man dressed in such heavy clothing. The terrorist, realizing he was about to be exposed, promptly detonated his explosives, killing himself and the officer. Due to the heroics of the officer, the targeted bus emerged unscathed.
On four separate military missions, Aharon escaped unharmed as the lone survivor of his unit. The sixth attack, unfortunately, did not leave Aharon so lucky.
On a random day, Aharon and his friend were about to board a bus, when Aharon commented that he had a premonition—something bad was going to happen. His friend reassured him, using the popular Jewish saying, “Hakol yihiye beseder!” – Everything will be ok. As he had thought, a terrorist boarded the bus and immediately detonated his bomb. Everyone on board, save Aharon and his friend, was killed. Those who were not hit by the shrapnel were shot, as the explosion caused the ammunition of the many soldiers’ on board to explode, sending a spray of bullets everywhere. The friend, shielded by Aharon’s body, escaped unscathed, but Aharon’s entire body was burned like charcoal. He spent the next two months unconscious in a hospital bed.
When Aharon related his story at the Shabbat Kiddush in our shul two weeks ago, not a single eye remained dry. He described the utter melancholy that washed over him as he lay helpless in bed, refusing to believe what happened to him. He lay in his bed in severe pain and agony. Nothing could raise his spirits - not even the daily visit of the Chabad rabbi.
On his birthday, my Chabad colleague Rabbi Menachem Kutner gathered Aharon’s friends and family at the hospital. They planned to throw a party, complete with balloons, music and good food. The rabbi arrived alone in Aharon’s room and had to drag the patient out of bed. It was when Aharon saw the surprise planned for him that he made a firm resolution to persevere, come what may.
He explained that soldiers know that recovery has nothing to do with wounds. It’s all in the mind—if you believe you’ll make it, you will. If your mind is convinced you’ll lose, you don’t stand a chance. At that surprise birthday party Aharon made a resolution that come what may he will persevere. Till today as a result of his fingers being cut off, Aharon suffers from phantom pain 24 hours a day. His pain and his agony often are so severe; it prevents him from drifting to sleep. His body remains burnt and throbs constantly. In his own words, he wouldn’t wish this suffering on his worst enemy. Despite the immense pain, despite his suffering he is convinced that he will go to college, get a job and lead a normal and fulfilling life. In the last seven years Aharon has come a long way. His constant smile is a testimony to his positive and upbeat outlook on life.
Next week we will be celebrating the holiday of Shavuot, a testimony to Matan Torah and our mission as a people. At that unparalleled ceremony, G-d entrusted us with a sacred duty- to infuse light into our physical world through acts of goodness and holiness. Sometimes the burden feels too heavy to bear; it’s not easy being singled out as the paragon of humanity, much less so living up to the reputation. Sometimes we feel over burdened by our work. We feel inundated by stress and the pressure of life. It is in a man like Aharon that we can witness perseverance and determination- if we want, we can. After all, it’s all in the mind.
Susan L. Cohen wrote...