"If I don't write, grief will split me in two": The bereaved sister on life after loss | Ilana Shtotland

Shira-Emona Amselem, who lost her brother Avichai on October 7, published a diary book titled "He Left Behind a Sister" about the pain of bereaved siblings. In an interview, she speaks about enlisting at age 35, commemoration and longing, and calls for recognition of their unique grief.

Shira-Emona Amselem, 38, from Lod, lost her brother, Staff Sergeant (res.) Avichai Amselem, on October 7, 2023. The diary entries she wrote over about two years became the book "He Left Behind a Sister," which deals with the pain of bereaved siblings. In an interview with Maariv, she speaks about enlisting in the IDF at age 35, commemoration, and longing. Amselem, an occupational therapist who recently began medical studies, emphasizes that bereaved siblings are the largest primary circle of bereavement but receive less attention. She calls for further research and legislation to help them, and notes that despite the pain, there is recovery.