Pilot’s Heartfelt Letter After Leading Daring Iran Strike Revealed

Lieutenant Colonel (res.) A., an Israeli Air Force pilot and kibbutznik from northern Israel, led the first wave of planes into Iranian territory during Operation Rising Lion, a pre-emptive strike targeting Iran’s nuclear and military infrastructure. As the pilot of the opening sortie, A. undertook the mission’s most perilous role, guiding dozens of aircraft deep into enemy airspace. After safely returning following a ceasefire on June 24, 2025, he shared an emotional letter with his family, which was later published by his friend, Knesset member Matan Kahana, on social media with A.’s consent.

“Lieutenant Colonel (res.) A., a kibbutznik from the north and a dear friend, led the first planes that entered deep into Iran,” Kahana wrote. “I was told that his briefing before the fateful flight was special. I asked him to share what he sent to his family when the ceasefire began, and he agreed.” A. emphasized unity in his message, stating, “Please, please, no politics. With me in the formation were kibbutzniks, settlers, moshavniks, and urbanites. As you know so well, the beautiful Land of Israel. Despite the fear and concerns, we looked to the right and left and charged together at the enemy. Historic moments, a special feeling.”

In his letter, A. reflected on the mission’s weight: “There will be plenty of time to share experiences, to laugh, and to cry… but I waited two weeks to share. In the opening sortie, I was chosen to lead a formation of dozens of planes. We were the first to enter deep into Iran. I was in the first plane of the first formation, and that’s how I received the most dangerous mission.” He admitted, “During the days before, I didn’t have the courage to write a farewell letter. Something inside me didn’t let me focus on that, and I knew I would do everything to complete the mission and return safely.”

A.’s greatest challenge was instilling confidence in his team. “The greatest challenge I had was giving confidence and calm to the formation I was leading,” he wrote. At the briefing, he shared lyrics from a song that inspired him: “At midnight, they rose and struck at the edge of the world like sons of fire, they felt they flew afar to restore the dignity of man.” He carried these words in his pocket throughout the conflict, vowing to send them to his family instead of a farewell note. “Thank God we returned safely!” he concluded.