Cookies and Tea - song in memory of Sergeant First Class (res.) Ben Zussman
(Ophir Zilbiger, Keren Zaguri-Cohen)
These are the words of Sergeant First Class (res.) Ben Zussman who fell in battle in Gaza at the age of 22 after insisting on fighting. His letter has become widely known around the world, serving as a powerful personal and national testament. The Pashoot band wrote music to his and released it as a song titled Cookies and Tea, commemorating Ben's spirit and values.
"Even if something happens to me, I don’t allow you to sink into sadness. I had the privilege of fulfilling my dream and my calling, and you can be sure that I look down on you and smile a huge smile."
Ben Zussman grew up in Jerusalem in a small house with his parents and two younger siblings. His mother, Sarit Zussman describes him as an open-minded, happy, and loving person. "He was really open-minded in the human field. He interacted very, very easily with people," his mother recalls. Ben valued personal connections deeply, which was evident in his relationships and interactions.
In his household, being Jewish and Israeli was a source of pride. Ben loved Jerusalem despite its everyday challenges. He felt connected to his roots and considered himself privileged and happy to be part of his community. This sense of belonging and pride fueled his dedication to serving his country.
Ben served in the Engineering Corps' 601st Battalion and was set to begin a new journey in the Shin Bet security agency. "He was not supposed to do reserve duty. He wasn’t assigned to any unit because he was supposed to go to the Shin Bet. But when he saw what was happening, he decided that had to go," Sarit explains.
On Shabbat of October 7, Ben immediately packed a bag and left for base. On his way, he wrote a heartfelt letter to his parents and instructed his friends to pass it on to his parents if anything happened to him. On December 3, Sergeant First Class (res.) Ben Zussman fell in battle in Gaza.
"I’m writing you this message on the way to the base. If you’re reading this, something must have happened to me. As you know me, there’s probably no one happier than me right now. It’s not just that I was really happy to realize my dream. I am happy and grateful for the privilege to protect our beautiful land and the people of Israel.
"Even if something happens to me, I forbid you from sinking into sadness. I had the privilege of fulfilling my dream and my calling. you can be sure that I look down on you and smile a huge smile. I will probably sit next to Grandpa and do some catching up. We will tell about our experiences and what changed from war to war. Maybe we’ll also talk a little politics, I'll ask him what he thinks.
"If, God forbid, you sit shiva, make it a week of friends, family and fun. Let there be food, meat obviously, beers, drinks, tea and of course, Mom's cookies. Make jokes, hear stories, meet all my other friends you never met. I’m actually jealous of you. I’d like to sit there and meet them all.
"Another very, very important point. If, God forbid, I am captured, dead or alive, I’m not ready for a single soldier or citizen to be harmed because of some deal for my release. I forbid you from conducting a campaign or a struggle or anything like that. I’m not ready for terrorists to be released in exchange for me. In no way, shape or form. Don’t mince my words, please.
"I’ll say it again, I left home without even being called to the reserves. I’m full of pride and a sense of mission and I've always said that if I had to die, I hope it will be while protecting others and the country. Jerusalem, I have entrusted guards; one day I'll be one of them."
In his letter, Ben expressed his pride in serving his country, his love for his friends and family, and his wish for them to celebrate life and smile. He envisioned a shiva filled with friends, family, laughter, food, drinks, and of course, his mother’s cookies.
"His words amazed us because they were so clear, pure, full of love and acceptance. And a big smile, with no agenda. It was a message for us," said his mother. Ben’s letter resonated deeply with his loved ones and the wider community, reflecting a shared sense of pride and resilience.
Keren Zagury-Cohen and Ophir Zilbiger, the duo making up the band Pashoot, were moved by Ben’s letter. They felt it was a sacred duty to commemorate Ben through song and gift it to his family.
The band aimed to capture Ben's pure spirit, giving the song an upbeat rhythm to match his joyful personality, with Gil Meir arranging and producing the music. While the words Ben used were mature for someone of his age, he was a 22-year-old soldier who loved to laugh, loved his family and loved his friends.
"We tried to capture the pure spirit of this person. We tried to give it a more upbeat rhythm because he said please remain happy," Ophir shared. "It is really holy work, to commemorate the soldiers, the brave people, in different ways." The song is not sad, the words and lyrics are a spark of his life.
Cookies and Tea was released in Hebrew on May 1, 2024, and has gained thousands of plays, becoming a symbol of hope and resilience, touching hearts worldwide.
Ben's mother continues to spread and honor his memory. "Ben believed in loving everyone in Israel. We are a big family, with different opinions and different lifestyles. Ben loved them all. He was a friendly, easy-going, happy person who loved people’s differences."
Sarit continues speaking at conferences and posting on social media advocating for unity within Israeli society. She wishes to spread the message that directed Ben throughout his life.
"I would love for people to hold the love that Ben felt. The love for the country and its people, to his family and friends, and his duty to them. There are many things you can do. Do whatever you can, but do it with a smile. But always, live, laugh, eat well, sit together, argue a bit, be alive," she said.
Ben’s decision to fight, despite his exemption from the reserves, epitomizes his sense of duty and love for his country. His legacy teaches us about life, sacrifice, and personal connections. His letter and the song it inspired continue to resonate, reminding us to live life with pride, joy and a smile, just as Ben did.
