3 Valuable Character Traits You Should Imbibe From Rafi Edry’s Remarkable Life

The 20s are a crucial period in every person’s life. It’s the phase where you step outside the comfort and shelter of your parents and transition into true adulthood. 

It wouldn’t be wrong to say that your 20s set the trajectory for the rest of your life. The decisions that you make during these years have a lasting impact on your future. That’s the reason people often use these years to focus on building their careers, finding a life partner, and starting a family.

But for Refael (aka Rafi) Edry – the fallen hero of Israel’s War of Independence – serving his country took precedence over everything else. He was only 24 years old when he died during an enemy shelling near Revivim. That happened in July 1948.

However, tales of Rafi Edry’s triumphant life continue to inspire younger generations in his hometown, Safed. His nephews, Eyal Edry, Moshe Edree, and Refael Edry, have even raised NIS 3 million for the construction of Yad Labanim – a memorial center dedicated to the country’s freedom fighters.

So, what can you learn from the life of a martyred soldier who wasn’t fortunate enough to make it to his 30s? As it turns out, Rafi Edry had lived a fuller life at 24 than most people can imagine.

Whether running a business or managing a household, here are a few of Rafi Edry’s qualities that you should try to acquire:

Perseverance

Rafi Edry was actively involved in his country’s political scene long before the War of Independence broke out. He participated in the “Working Youth” movement and even served as a commander of youth battalions. He devoted his time and energy to training Safed’s youth.

He was even involved in the preparation of the Jewish Quarters and defended the cities of Safed and Galilee as a lieutenant colonel.

It’s worth noting that Rafi Edry didn’t wait for an opportunity to serve his country. Instead, he prepared himself and acquired the right skills to be of use to the military when the time came. He achieved his goal because he persevered.

His undying spirit inspired his nephew Rafi Edry to overcome financial hardships and other struggles and become a world-renowned businessman. Similarly, when you want to accomplish something in life, don’t wait for it to happen. Instead, work towards your goal despite all the hardships and struggles you might experience along the way.

Fearlessness

Rafi Edry’s achievements are a fine example of the power of being courageous. The fear of being hurt or killed never bothered him when he climbed on the roof of a hotel under incendiary fire and hoisted the Israeli flag. It was the day the British left Safed.

Similarly, fear couldn’t engulf his passion for his country when he participated in a raid on the village of Sasa. All he had was a machine gun, which he used to fight the enemy forces.

The most significant example of his courage is when he decided to join the battle in the Negev as a platoon commander. Guarding enemy warehouses in Safed wasn’t enough for him. He wanted a more active role in the war.

So, despite requests from his friends and family members, Rafi Edry headed to the Negev without worrying about being killed during combat.

The lesson here is that you should never let anxiety or fear overwhelm your determination to achieve your goals. So, whether you’re planning to quit your high-paying corporate job and start a small business or trying to ask your crush out on a date, don’t hesitate to take the plunge. 

Being afraid of the unknown is normal. But don’t let that come in the way of achieving your dreams and living a happy life.

Selflessness

Rafi Edry was only 24 when he sacrificed his life for his country and fellow citizens. Worldly pleasures didn’t sway him from serving in the military. It’s the kind of selflessness that leads people to achieve greater things in life while contributing to society’s development.

It’s worth keeping in mind that joining the armed forces isn’t the only way to do something for society. From donating old clothes to raising awareness about environmental problems – you can find your own ways to give back to your community. The important thing is to develop a selfless attitude and focus on the greater good.

Final Thoughts

Rafi Edry didn’t live long enough to watch his country emerge as a hub of tech innovation and entrepreneurship. But stories of his selflessness and valor still echo in the streets of Safed.

Whether you want to become a successful entrepreneur, a world-renowned artist, or a happy parent, seek inspiration from Rafi Edry’s perseverance, courage, and selflessness to achieve your goals.