IDF Warrant Officer Shaul Moyal in the 8207th Battalion died in October during a clash with Hezbollah in southern Lebanon. Driven to honor his father’s memory and Torah values he instilled in him, 20-year-old Yehuda Moyal enlisted in the IDF on Wednesday. Ynet news reports that Yehuda is supported by his mother, nine siblings, and the religious community.
“I told him I was scared to join a combat unit, and he said, ‘if everyone thinks like that, who will enlist? If we only think of ourselves, there’ll be no army.’ That answer guides me today,” Yehuda shared. He added, “I’m sure Dad is looking down, smiling with pride.”
Despite the loss, Yehuda has drawn strength from his mother, Smadar. “After Dad’s death, I still want to enlist in a combat role. Mom’s support gave me the confidence to believe it’s the right path,” he said.
“Without her, I might have hesitated, but she reminds me what truly matters.” Yehuda’s enlistment, amid public debates over balancing religious life with military service, demonstrates how Torah study and national duty can align, especially in wartime.
Yehuda’s enlistment goes way beyond being a military family — it’s a matter of being inspired by each other and by faith. Yehuda has been studying the Torah since he was 18 and applies the values from what he learned along with the memory of his father to being the kind of soldier he wants to be. Rabbi Eyal Greiner praised the Moyal family for their legacy and continued devotion to the defense of Israel.
Resilience has always been the strong suit of Israeli and Jewish people when it comes to safety, freedom, and continued fight against anti-Semitism. People like Yehuda and his family reinforce that with the lengths they are willing to go for the safety and love of family, friends, and faith.