“Hashmona’i”

I am currently serving with the “Hashmona’i” religious regiment. Ultra-Orthodox Jews serve here - people who have spent their entire lives studying the Torah and observing its commandments, and who today take up arms to defend their homes, their land, and their people. They do not choose between the Torah and defending their homeland—they fulfill both duties simultaneously

I was deeply moved to see young people who, while remaining true to their religious beliefs, have nevertheless taken on the responsibility for the safety of their people. Strong faith and a willingness to defend one’s country are not mutually exclusive.

From the very first days of the full-scale war in Ukraine, I have stood with the Ukrainian people and supported the defenders. But now, while in Israel, I felt it was my duty to also support the soldiers of the Israel Defense Forces, who are fighting on multiple fronts against the inhuman forces of Hamas, Hezbollah, Iran, the Houthis, and other enemies