On June 11, Hadas Levy became the first woman to give birth to a child fathered by a soldier killed in Israel’s war against Hamas in Gaza, sparked by the Oct. 7 massacre that claimed 1,200 lives. Capt. (res.) Netanel Silberg, Levy’s fiancé, was killed in combat in Gaza in December 2023. Levy and Silberg met on a blind date arranged by friends in May 2022. She described his charisma and presence, highlighting his unique features that made him stand out. Silberg, despite being exempt from service in Gaza, chose to join the first wave of soldiers deployed there. His decision led to his tragic demise despite his mother’s pleas to stay away from the conflict.
While on leave the following month, Silberg bought a ring and proposed, but the engagement was not celebrated with a party. The couple never discussed the possibility of loss, as it wasn’t an option. Levy received no official notification of Silberg’s death; instead, she learned through a phone call from his mother. During this difficult time, she requested the procedure for sperm collection, which was swiftly approved. The procedure, once rare, has become more common since Oct. 7 due to the mass casualties and the need for rapid identification of fallen soldiers.
Dr. Eran Altman, director of the sperm bank and men’s infertility clinic at Rabin Medical Center–Beilinson Hospital, explained the medical process and the temporary legislative changes allowing for easier access to these procedures. The sperm is preserved in liquid nitrogen at –196 degrees Celsius, ensuring viability for decades. Levy described the emotional struggle of navigating her pregnancy without her partner, often having to explain the absence of the father and facing challenges in genetic screenings without his presence. She gave birth to her son via C-section at Hadassah University Hospital in Jerusalem, where she had undergone insemination with the help of Dr. Efrat Esh-Broder from the IVF unit.
Levy’s son now carries his father’s nose and ears, which she said Silberg would have found amusing. However, she emphasized the importance of the child’s existence as a continuation of life and a tribute to her late fiancé. She receives frequent inquiries from other women seeking guidance on the process, with around six other IDF widows pursuing parenthood through this method. The IDF Widows and Orphans Organization provides essential support to these families, helping them navigate the emotional, legal, and medical challenges. Levy’s experience has become a milestone in the ongoing journey of grief and remembrance, offering a unique form of connection between the living and the departed.