Yotam Haim’s mother sends message of support to soldier on trial

Iris Haim, the mother of hostage Yotam Haim who was accidentally killed by IDF soldiers in Gaza, has issued a message of support for Aviad Frija, a soldier currently facing trial for the manslaughter of Yuval Kestelman. Kestelman was killed by IDF soldiers while attempting to neutralize terrorists during a shooting attack in Jerusalem. In her message, Haim stated that Frija was operating under impossible conditions with the intent to protect civilians. Drawing parallels to her own son's death in a similar accidental incident, Haim argued that anger and revenge would only lead to further loss of life. She noted that her family chose not to blame the soldiers involved in Yotam's death to preserve public and military morale. While acknowledging the pain of the Kestelman family, Haim emphasized that she chooses compassion over judgment and expressed her support for the soldier, stating that anyone could have found themselves in his position.