Israel’s IDF Soldiers: Duty, Honor, and Sacrifice

The Strength of a Nation: Israel’s Youth and Their Commitment to Service

Serving one’s country is always a noble act, but serving a nation under constant threat is nothing short of heroic. In Israel, where military service is mandatory, young men and women take on a responsibility that most in the Western world cannot even fathom.

As a mother of four living in the Netherlands—a country without compulsory military service—I see the stark difference between the adolescents here and those in Israel. At 18, my children were still just that—children—focused on fun, socializing, and enjoying their youth. But when I visited Israel, I witnessed a completely different reality.

In Jerusalem, I saw groups of young pre-soldiers standing atop the rooftops of the Old City, engrossed in history lessons—not lessons of violence, but of heritage, resilience, and identity. They learned about the Jewish Temple, the battles for Jerusalem, and the historic unification of the city in 1967. I watched as these boys and girls visited the Kotel, deeply connected to their land and history.

In the Galilee, the Golan Heights, and Mount Bental, I saw these same young men and women preparing themselves mentally and physically for the service ahead. Their energy was palpable, their dedication unwavering. They weren’t just soldiers in the making—they were defenders of their homeland, protectors of their people.

Israel’s youth do not enter military service blindly. They are prepared from a young age, not just physically, but emotionally and intellectually. Groups exist for 16-year-olds who aspire to join elite combat units, voluntarily engaging in rigorous training—not out of obligation, but out of patriotism and determination. They are not forced; they choose. And that choice speaks volumes.

Yet, alongside this inspiring dedication, there is also immense sacrifice. A dear friend of mine, a Lecturer at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, lost her grandson—a brilliant young man, gifted in mathematics, compassionate and kind—who rose to the rank of captain before falling in battle in Gaza. The pain of such loss is unimaginable. I think of her and her daughter every day.

Another close friend, a hero of Israel, once a commander of elite forces and now in his seventies, still serves in various capacities for his nation. His own son, an acclaimed officer, has been on the frontlines since the war began. My friend carries his worry with quiet strength, never wavering in his love for Israel.

What makes Israel’s spirit so unbreakable? It is the people. It is those like my friend, the lecturer, the fallen grandson, and the commander who never stops giving. It is the youth who willingly take up the mantle of responsibility, knowing the price but also understanding the necessity. Israel stands strong because of them.

Despite the heavy toll, despite the heartbreak, these heroes ensure that Israel endures. They embody the unyielding spirit of Am Yisrael Chai—the People of Israel live.