Son of a 1948 Palmach Hero: Rabbi Avi Schwartz’s Vision for Post–Oct. 7 Israel

Drawing on my father’s legacy of courage and my own experience as a rabbi, filmmaker, and Special Operations Police 2nd Sergeant, I am building a movement that unites the best of Israel’s right, left, and center to meet the challenges of a new era.

Israel has entered a new era. The events of October 7th shattered assumptions, exposed vulnerabilities, and made it clear that the political status quo cannot continue. At the same time, a wave of global antisemitism has surged to levels unseen in decades — fueled in part by Israel’s failure to communicate its story effectively to the world.

In this critical moment, I am launching a movement designed for the realities of today and the challenges of tomorrow. The approach is simple but revolutionary: take the best ideas, policies, and strengths from all of Israel’s political camps — right, left, and center — and fuse them into a new, unified platform that works.

This mission is deeply personal to me. I am the son of Motke “The Axeman” Schwartz, a hero of the Palmach Harel Portzim Unit who fought for Israel’s independence. His courage, sacrifice, and belief in the Jewish people’s future are the foundation on which I stand.

Click link: Video: Motke “The Axeman” Schwartz, Palmach hero, shares his message to Jewish Youth. Today, I continue that legacy — not on the battlefield of 1948, but on the political and ideological frontlines of a new era.

As a rabbi, award-winning filmmaker, (with work inducted in the renowned Rotten Tomatoes) AI prompt engineer, real estate investor and volunteer 2nd Sergeant in Israel’s elite Special Operations Police Unit, I have seen Israeli society from the ground up — from patrolling the streets to speaking in international forums. I have led community initiatives, defended Israel’s image abroad, and worked with people across the political spectrum. These experiences have taught me that unity is not a luxury — it is a necessity for survival.

Taking the Best From Every Camp

I reject the idea that Israelis must choose between rigid ideological camps. As I often say:

“If a person only has one leg, he only hops. If he has two legs, he walks.”

This movement is built on two “legs”: strong ideals and pragmatic action. It will pull from:

• Security policy rooted in deterrence and readiness.

• Social policy that protects vulnerable citizens and builds opportunity.

• Economic vision that fosters innovation while strengthening the working and middle classes.

• Religious and cultural respect that strengthens Jewish identity while keeping the public square inclusive.

This is not compromise for its own sake — it is selective synthesis: taking the best of each side to create a leadership that can walk forward with balance and purpose.

A Post–October 7th Leadership

October 7th was not just a tragedy — it was a turning point. The complacency that allowed such a failure must never return. This movement insists on leadership that is:

• Decisive in defense — ensuring Israel’s enemies know the cost of aggression.

• Clear in communication — making Israel’s case effectively in every global forum.

• United at home — ending the toxic political tribalism that weakens the nation.

Israel cannot afford leaders who see the world through the lens of yesterday’s politics. We must have leadership with the courage to make hard choices, the humility to take the best ideas from all sides, and the discipline to execute them without being paralyzed by endless coalition horse-trading.

Confronting the Global Antisemitism Surge

The war’s aftermath has seen antisemitism explode worldwide — on campuses, in parliaments, and in the streets. Israel’s official PR efforts have been reactive, inconsistent, and often ineffective.

My model is different:

• Rapid-response media teams to counter misinformation instantly.

• Proactive global campaigns to highlight Israel’s humanitarian work, technological breakthroughs, and moral legitimacy.

• Training for community leaders in the diaspora to speak powerfully on Israel’s behalf.

The truth is on our side — but truth alone is not enough. We must communicate it with speed, precision, and creativity, using every tool of modern media and public diplomacy.

Why This Movement Is Different

This is not about replacing one party with another. It is about replacing a broken way of doing politics with something new. Too many leaders today are trapped in their own ideological bubbles, more concerned with weakening their opponents than strengthening the nation.

We cannot “hop” forward on one leg — leaning entirely right, left, or center. We must walk on two strong legs: principled values and pragmatic solutions.

A Call to Action

I am calling on:

• Young Israelis who want a future beyond partisan paralysis.

• The Anglo community in Israel with its international connections and experience in democratic activism.

• Jews worldwide who understand that Israel’s security and reputation are inseparable from Jewish safety everywhere.

• Israelis of every background who are ready to unite behind what works, not what divides.

The world has changed since October 7th. Israel’s leadership must change with it. We cannot wait for another wake-up call. The time for old divisions is over.

This is the moment to stand together, take the best of all we have, and walk forward on two strong legs — united, determined, and ready to defend the Jewish people at home and abroad.