The Power of Unity: Lessons From My Army Service
The Gemara Yerushalmi (Peah 1:1) teaches that despite King Achav’s wickedness, he was successful in his wars because the nation was united. In contrast, although King David was righteous, he was less successful in battle, as the nation in his time was divided.
Spending the past two months in the army has helped me appreciate this Gemara on a deeper level. My unit is a true microcosm of Israel.
We have soldiers from every corner of the political spectrum — right, center, and left — and from every shade of Jewish identity: Ashkenazim, Sephardim, and Yemenites; charedi, national-religious, traditional, and secular. Some are from Tel Aviv and left-wing kibbutzim, others from Jerusalem or Bnei Brak. Among us are also immigrants from Russia, Belarus, Ukraine, the United States, and France — all serving side by side.
Despite our vastly different backgrounds, upbringings, outlooks, religious affiliations, and political views, we spend countless hours together, unified in our mission.
The ability to engage in genuine dialogue with those you may disagree with is essential for a healthy and functional society.
The army, beyond its obvious role in defending civilians, also serves as a powerful platform for dialogue, understanding, mutual respect, and the social foundation upon which young Israelis can build a healthier society.
During discussion with family in America, it became clear to me that the political divide in America today is far deeper than the one in Israel. I believe that mandatory military service plays a central role in this difference. In Israel, most citizens spend significant time in the army, where they are exposed to — and must cooperate with — people from all walks of life. In contrast, most Americans do not serve, and opportunities for meaningful integration and shared purpose are more limited.
This, I believe, is the deeper understanding of the Gemara. While many of us may have legitimate grievances or disagreements with our leadership — past or present (and to clarify, I am not comparing any of our leaders to Achav) — the key to our success lies in us, the people, coming together. Even the great King David could not prevail when the nation was divided.
As an aside, this idea also challenges the argument made by some who choose to avoid army service, claiming, “If only we had an army and leadership like David HaMelech, then I would join — but not under our current leaders.” The Gemara makes it clear that the army’s success does not depend solely on the piety or greatness of its leaders. It depends far more on those who serve — on the unity and commitment of Klal Yisrael as a whole.
The Gemara’s message is clear: Divine success follows our unity. Hashem’s blessings don’t depend on our perfection, but rather on our connection. King Achav’s armies succeeded because they each took responsibility for each other. David HaMelech’s generation, for all of its righteousness, lacked that cohesion.
Our generation is restoring that connection — building a nation and identity where every Jew, regardless of background or belief, is bound to one another in our shared responsibility and future.
