At 36, Joseph—a Russian-born convert, father, and new immigrant—defies convention by enlisting in a pioneering Orthodox IDF Hashmonaim brigade, blending faith, family, and bravery in a bold stand for Israel’s future.
"I came to serve — with faith, with family, and with purpose." Joseph — a new immigrant and Orthodox convert to Judaism — shares his inspiring story of leaving the Diaspora and joining the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) at the age of 36.
After making Aliyah with his family, Joseph enlisted in the Hashmonaim Brigade, a newly created unit that supports Orthodox and ultra-Orthodox men wishing to serve while upholding their religious observance.
From maintaining kosher and Shabbat, to Torah study and spiritual resilience during wartime, Joseph reveals what it's like to defend Israel as a religious soldier — and as a father.