A graduate of Yeshiva Ktana of Passaic and the Clifton Mesivta, Eli Brand of Passaic decided to join the IDF during his gap year, while studying at Rabbi Brazil’s yeshiva, Zeev HaTorah. Last month he joined his friends in celebration of their becoming soldiers in Israel.

Joining the IDF and subsequently remaining in Israel have been lifelong dreams of Eli’s as well as his family’s. Since celebrating Eli and his brother Aharon’s bar mitzvah milestones in Israel and following up with Yom Tov family trips, parents Talya and Eric were clear in their message to their three sons: Israel is our place. With Eli’s induction and Aharon and Dani’s learning at Gush and Rabbi Senter’s yeshiva, Yeshivas Aderes HaTorah, the message was conveyed clearly.

Within a few weeks, all of the Brands, minus son Ezra for the time being, will be living in Israel. Father Eric is currently employed by a venture capital company in Jerusalem and mother Talya is single-handedly packing up their house in Passaic. The Brands are most grateful to the many Israeli and American organizations that have supported Eli and his many friends throughout their army service as lone soldiers. They hope to continue this chesed for other lone soldiers after settling in Jerusalem. Their message to the New Jersey community is to pray for the welfare of the IDF as they protect the Jewish people and Israel.

By Pearl Markovitz