Michaela (Mica) Levit a"h
Michaela (Mica) Levit a"h was born in Los Angeles on March 9, 1999 to Israeli-American parents. The middle child of three, she grew up in Los Angeles until the age of 12, when her family moved to Boca Raton, Florida.
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Mica was a happy, loving child who was adored by everyone. She had a deep love for nature and enjoyed hiking. Passionate about sports, she played soccer as a child and competed in swimming and water polo throughout high school. Known for her playful spirit, Mica was a prankster who made everyone laugh, yet she was also caring and built special bonds with her friends and family. She was someone who was easy to love.
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At 17, Mica went on her first trip to Israel with her family. During the trip, she fell in love with the country and its people. By the end of the visit, Mica had decided she would return to Israel after high school to serve in the IDF. She later shared with her family that she had been considering it for some time, but her experiences in Israel solidified her decision.
On November 15, 2017, Mica enlisted as a combat soldier in the Caracal Battalion. She completed her training with honors, with her commanders noting her strong motivation and refusal to give up. Without complaint, she carried the stretcher when others struggled and frequently lifted the spirits of those around her with her sense of humor.
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Despite language barriers and the challenges of being a lone soldier, Mica excelled and attended a squad commanders’ course, which she was very excited about. Her course mates recalled how Mica would share vitamins she brought from home, ensure everyone stayed hydrated, and make sure their plates were filled with colorful vegetables during meals. It was just like Mica to take care of those around her.
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When asked why she wanted to become a commander, Mica said, “If I’ve already come to Israel to serve in combat, I want to make the most of my time. If I can make a positive impact on a small group of soldiers, be there for them no matter what, and help them wake up on Sunday mornings happy and ready to serve, then I’ve done my job.”
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On the surface, Mica seemed to be thriving, but she was silently struggling. She kept her pain hidden. On May 14, 2019, Mica participated in a training session with her coursemates as usual. After the session, she posed for photos with them, smiling and joking. There were no signs of distress, no visible indications of what she was feeling. That night, Mica left the base with her firearm, climbed a nearby hill, and ended her life.
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Mica’s story highlights the critical need for mental health awareness within the IDF, where soldiers often face unique pressures and challenges, especially lone soldiers far from their families. Despite the strong bonds and camaraderie among soldiers, silent struggles can go unnoticed. By sharing Mica’s story, we aim to emphasize the importance of fostering open conversations about mental health within the military, creating support systems that ensure every soldier feels seen and supported, and training commanders to recognize the subtle signs of distress. Mica’s light and love touched so many lives, and her memory serves as a powerful call to action: to prioritize the mental well-being of those who serve and ensure no soldier ever feels they must endure their pain alone.