The Chief of the General Staff at an Appreciation Event Marking 20 Years of “Adopt a Soldier”

An appreciation event marking 20 years of the “Adopt a Soldier” initiative was held this evening (Wednesday), led by the Chief of the General Staff, LTG Eyal Zamir. The event was attended by members of the General Staff Forum; the Chairman of the Association for Israel’s Soldiers, Maj. Gen. (res.) Yoram Yair; the CEO of Clal Industries and President of “Adopt a Soldier”, Mr. Avi Fischer; the Chairman of “Adopt a Soldier”, Maj. Gen. (res.) Avi Mizrahi; the CEO of the Friends of the IDF in the United States (FIDF), Mr. Nadav Padan; senior donors and supporting companies; together with the commanders of 258 combat units supported by donors from Israel and around the world.

“Adopt a Soldier” is a social engagement initiative designed to support the IDF’s combat array by connecting companies and private donors from Israel and around the world with combat units.

From the remarks of the Chief of the General Staff, LTG Eyal Zamir:

“Israel has once again proven that its resilience is not only military, it is societal. Our enemies were mistaken in thinking that Israel’s home front is our weak point; they failed to understand that it is, in fact, our source of strength.

We have learned that in a prolonged, multi-arena war, the civilian home front and the productive capacity of the Israeli economy are of paramount importance. One of the most significant lessons is not only that ‘we must defend ourselves by ourselves,’ but also that, as ‘a people that dwells alone,’ we must ‘produce for ourselves by ourselves’ and be less dependent on others. Therefore, we must continue to nurture and strengthen the Israeli ‘blue-and-white’ industry.

The many important companies here this evening are not merely ‘adopting a unit’; they are adopting its soldiers, their families, and the combat soldiers standing on the front line. What began as a meaningful statement has become deep and impactful action. The entire nation is a partner in the effort to strengthen IDF units and places the well-being of soldiers and all service members as a top priority. That is how it should be. Those who give, defend, and are prepared to sacrifice themselves receive more, including better conditions for quality service and the conditions to succeed even after their discharge, in building their future.

As we light the candles this evening, our hearts beat also for our brothers and sisters in the Diaspora, especially the Jewish community in Sydney. You are blessed for your work during one of the most complex periods in Israel’s history, and for the sake of better days to come.

We will not relent in our moral duty to bring back Sergeant First Class Ran Guvili. We are committed to him just as we were committed to the mission of returning all the hostages.

On behalf of the IDF, the combat soldiers, and the unit commanders, I say: thank you. Thank you to the supporting companies for the tailwind you provide to the combat soldiers, a support that is deeply felt both on the home front and on the front line.

With deep appreciation to you, Yoram Yair, and to the Association for Israel’s Soldiers, for your work on behalf of IDF soldiers. Wishing you a happy and safe Hanukkah. May we know better days. Continue and succeed.”

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