A few days ago, I had the privilege of hearing from Varda and Eitan Morell, parents of Maoz Morell, who was killed in Gaza last February while serving in an elite paratroopers unit. Their story revealed something profound about heroism that often goes unnoticed: sometimes the most extraordinary heroes emerge from the most ordinary beginnings.
We often mistake heroism for outward qualities – charisma, confidence, or impressive physical presence. Yet the Bible teaches us otherwise through a powerful moment in the book of Samuel. When God sent the prophet Samuel to anoint a new king from among Jesse’s sons, Samuel was immediately impressed by Eliav’s tall and regal appearance. Surely, Samuel thought, this must be God’s chosen one. But God corrected him saying:
It was instead David, the youngest son – a shepherd who at first wasn’t even invited to the ceremony – who would become Israel’s greatest king.
Maoz was, in his mother’s words, “really an average kid.” He struggled with learning disabilities and had difficulty expressing himself both in speech and writing. Yet what set him apart wasn’t natural talent or exceptional abilities – it was his unwavering determination and strength of character. When faced with challenges, whether it was reading his lengthy bar mitzvah portion or getting into a good high school, Maoz didn’t shy away. Instead, he embodied the wisdom found in Proverbs (24:16): “Seven times the righteous man falls and gets up.”
What makes Maoz’s story particularly compelling is how he transformed these everyday challenges into stepping stones for growth. He would study with his mother every night to improve his English, seek help when needed, and set achievable goals for himself. Perhaps most remarkably, in his military service, he carried a copy of The Path of the Just, a book of ethics written by Rabbi Moshe Chaim Luzzatto (1707–1746), in his uniform pocket. He was constantly working on improving his character, even in the midst of intense military operations.
His final act of heroism wasn’t an isolated moment of bravery but a culmination of the character he had built throughout his life. As his mother described, “His last moments were spent saving lives and helping all of his fellow soldiers who were wounded.” This wasn’t just battlefield courage – it was the ultimate expression of the values he had cultivated since childhood.
During his time in the hospital before his passing, hundreds of friends came to say goodbye, a testament to a life that touched many others through consistent kindness and determination. As his mother reflected, “To make a difference and to affect people and to be a special person, you don’t have to be outstanding in something specific. You just have to make sure to be nice to people, to work on your middot [character development], and when there’s something important to you, to set a goal that you can handle and get there.”
This is perhaps the most powerful lesson from Maoz’s life: heroism isn’t about being born extraordinary. Maoz’s legacy reminds us that true heroism grows from the small choices we make each day – the decision to persevere when things are difficult, to help others even when we’re struggling ourselves, and to consistently work on becoming better versions of ourselves. In our own lives, we may face different battles than Maoz did, but we all have the potential to transform our ordinary struggles into extraordinary achievements through persistence, kindness, and unwavering dedication to what matters most.
Into the Fire: Stories of Heroism from October 7th reveals the heart-wrenching and inspiring true stories of ordinary Israelis who became extraordinary heroes on October 7, 2023, as they faced unimaginable terror. This powerful narrative not only chronicles their bravery and resilience but also challenges readers to reflect on their own capacity for heroism in times of crisis—don’t miss your chance to be inspired; Order your copy today!
