From the Streets to the Frontlines: Alex’s Journey from Zoharim to IDF Commander

Meet Alex – a proud alumnus of Zoharim Youth Village – who transformed his life from one of uncertainty and isolation to purpose and leadership. His journey is one of thousands made possible through the support of our special donors.

Alex grew up in a deeply Orthodox home. His father fled antisemitism in Russia seeking safety in Israel, and Alex was raised in traditional yeshivot. But as he grew up, it became clear that the path laid out for him wasn’t his own.

“I left that world as soon as I could,” Alex shares. “I didn’t know where to go. I lived on the streets and slept wherever I could. I was lost – no one accepted me. When I got my first smartphone, I Googled: How to become a commander in the army. I realised I needed a high school diploma and good grades. But where would I even begin?”

That beginning came at Zoharim Youth Village, a place that lives by its motto: A home that believes in you.

At Zoharim, Alex found more than an education – he found acceptance, mentorship, and a brotherhood of young men who had faced similar struggles. The staff, mentors, and families on campus rallied around him, offering the guidance and tools he needed to take his first real steps forward.

Building a Future, One Step at a Time

Zoharim doesn’t just help boys catch up academically. It prepares them for life. Through its army preparation programme, it empowers ultra-Orthodox teens who are often the first in their families to enlist in the Israel Defense Forces.

Alex trained with Zoharim’s “Lions” running club every day, building the physical and emotional resilience he would need. His goal? Duvdevan, one of the most elite combat units in the IDF.

“I felt like the most perfect place for me was protecting Jews,” Alex says. “Making sure Israel is safe – that’s what I want to dedicate my life to. I want to keep serving and using all my strength for our people.”

A Hero’s Homecoming

After the horrors of 7th of October, Alex came home for a visit. What greeted him was a moment he’ll never forget.

“My mom, who had lost so much sleep worrying, was just relieved that I was alive. And proud – so proud – that I was doing something meaningful. My neighbours came out with cakes, cheering. It was emotional – coming full circle, seeing that I had made it.”

Transforming Israel’s Future — One Child at a Time

For over 50 years, Migdal Ohr has stood as a beacon of hope for Israel’s most vulnerable children. Migdal Ohr has changed the lives of tens of thousands of young people like Alex.

Many alumni have gone on to serve in the IDF, lead companies, raise strong Jewish families, and hold leadership roles across Israeli society. They are the living proof that when a child is given a second chance, they can rise to greatness.

With Israel still recovering from the 7th of October attacks, the need is greater than ever. Our children are the future – and we must invest in them now. When you support Migdal Ohr, you’re not just helping a child in need — you’re helping shape the future of Israel.

Join us. Believe in them. Be the reason another Alex gets his second chance.