Parents bless their teens entering the IDF, honoring generations defending Israel from relentless enemies.
At the IDF recruitment office, waves of emotion swept through families as parents and teens arrived to begin a new chapter of service. One father described the moment as part of a sacred family tradition: “In our home, defending Israel is something passed from father to son. It’s never easy—our oldest fought for two years in the current war, and I’m still serving in the reserves. But now it’s our youngest’s turn, and he wants to stand with the nation just like the rest of us.”
Another father embraced his son before the enlistment line, offering a message of strength and purpose: “I want him to give his all and soar as far as he chooses. More than anything, I want him to understand that his service has meaning—when a young man knows he matters, there’s nothing he can’t overcome.”
One new recruit arrived with his grandfather, who beamed with pride and a touch of worry. “I told him I was ready to volunteer in his place,” the grandfather said. “All I want is for him to stay strong, serve with honor, and come home safely to us.”
