In a rare moment of personal and political symbolism, the sons of senior Israeli ministers enlist in the IDF’s Givati Brigade, pledging faith, courage, and a call for decisive victory.
The Tel Hashomer induction center was charged with emotion this Sunday morning as dozens of new recruits joined the IDF’s elite Givati Brigade — among them the sons of some of Israel’s most prominent political and religious leaders.
Minister of Heritage Amihai Eliyahu personally accompanied his son, Nave, embracing him before the draft and declaring the enlistment a moment of both personal and national pride.
“With God’s help, my son is joining the IDF as a mitzvah, infused with the great spirit of Torah,” Eliyahu said. “He studied at the Beit She’an yeshiva and now serves in Givati. We pray for the peace of our soldiers, and for a swift and just victory. The time has come to conquer Gaza immediately — less talk, more action.”
Also joining the brigade was Benaya Smotrich, son of Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich.
“After four years of Torah study at the Beit El yeshiva, Benaya joins his peers in the national religious yeshiva program, combining Torah learning with the sacred duty of military service,” Smotrich said. “Our hearts are with all the soldiers and commanders of the IDF, praying for the Almighty’s protection, the elimination of our enemies, and the salvation of Israel.”
Adding to the day’s significance, Rabbi Haggai Lundin, head of the Hesder Yeshiva in Holon and teacher at the Sderot Yeshiva, saw his second son, David, don the Givati uniform.
“Blessed be God, we are enlisting our second son to Givati,” Rabbi Lundin shared. “May God protect all soldiers who take on this mission with love and dedication.”
The event drew high-profile visitors, including Defense Minister Israel Katz and Major General Dado Bar Kalifa, head of personnel. Katz addressed the recruits and their families:
“You are the very best of Israel’s sons. Your determination inspires us all. I promised the parents that we will do everything possible to protect their children — this is our greatest responsibility.”
The enlistment of these young men — carrying both the weight of their family names and the hopes of a nation — symbolized the unity of Israel’s political, religious, and civilian spheres in a shared commitment to victory and national defense.
