American-born Aaron Langert left the United States for Israel last night to join the Israeli Defense Force, his father – Deputy Mayor Steven Langert confirms to TLS.
Aaron, 21, took a leave of absence from his current Finance studies at Yeshiva University to join Aish’s Mahal program – a vigorous 12-week program which prepares Americans for the difficult task. Once completed, Aaron will join the IDF as a Chayal Boded – serving the Country for up to 18 months.
“We’re extremely proud of him,” says Deputy Mayor Langert. “It takes a lot of inner fortitude and guts to move outside your comfort zone and do somthing like this.” It’s unexpected – and I give him a lot of credit.”
Aaron, whom the Deputy Mayor says joined “for personal growth and to protect the Jewish Nation,” hopes to join the Tzanchanim (Paratroopers) division of the IDF.
“Hashem (G-d) should bless him, keep him and all of them safe – something every parent wishes for,” Langert says. [TLS]
way to go ,
Congratulation you can do three years without $$$ You don’t get paid in Israeli military Congratulation and stay safe.
Good luck but what was wrong with joining our own military?
its great
I think we should all follow in his footsteps
I would also like to mention that two young men that I know from Lakewood have recently returned from Eretz Yisroel after serving in the same program; Yaakov Berdugo & Shimi Davis. True Heroes in my book!
IS LANGERT NOW GOING TO MAKE ALIYA?
To #3: This is “his own” military! He is a Jew, and feels it his his duty to protect his fellow Jewish brothers from harm.
In addition, I’ve personally spoken to Jewish veterans of the U.S. Army that have reported instances of anti-semitism directed their way during the time they served. I don’t believe he will experience that in the IDF.
Hard to keep kosher in US Armed Forces.
Like to see the look on his face when he makes that first jump. It’s something you never forget. May Hashem help him set the tone and standard exemplifying what a frum soldier should be. Be well!
I think due to the situation on EY this is not so great after all. The goverment is taking thousands of people out of kollel and yeshivas to go the army. They want to change the face of yerushlayim as we know it. Now is not a time to be showing our support for the TZAVA. Normally I would support this, but right now Orthodox Jews should not show solidarity with the Israeli goverment. It’s one thing to serve voluntarily it’s another to rip people out of yeshivos. We all know who is really protecting who.
But good luck in all your endeavors. I don’t even want to know what you’ll do when they say go grab some yershalmis and cuff them bec they didn’t report to the military.
Is somebody can tell me how long this program going to be?
The Aish Machal program is 6 weeks long not 12. Followed by 18 months in the army.
USA, USA, USA.
To #12 AKA “bad timing”. Most thoughtful Jews disagree with your remarks. We don’t have the luxury to be “fair weather friends” with Israel. It is our responsibility to support E’Y in any way we can. We have more than enough external enemies who wish to destroy us. We don’t you and your ilk telling us to not support EY. I guarantee you that at the first hint C”V any official anti-semitism here in the US you will be amongst the first to run to EY and take refuge.
Never under estimate a Langert. Hatzlacha Aaron.
join US Army!!!
Go, Aron, Go ! I had a chat w/ Berdugo he was also a paratrooper. Its an amazing experience. And, btw, they do get paid. Not very much, tho. Hatzlocha !
to number 16: I disagree with you. Your assumption that we will all run to EY after a little anti Semitism is wrong. Klal Yisroel has never relied on the medina. From the inquisition to the Cossacks to the Nazis we have never had a Jewish state, who says we need it now? maybe the next place we stop in is Australia. I am not saying I don’t support EY but to say we have to do and agree with everything they say because maybe will have no where to go after America is ridiculous. Such a state that hates torah is just as bad as a Anti Semitic America. It is not our responsibility to support a EY that hates Fruma Yidden!! The opposite is true, its our responsibility to not support a state like that. Its our responsibility to show support with the Bnei Yeshiva there by not joining there forces, by saying we will not support such a state monetarily or physically.
Stay safe Mr. Langert.
I hope you find all your wishes in the promised land. My niece from New Jersey left for Israel 6 years ago met a very nice man from Northern New Jersey married, proud parent’s on 3 serves in the IDF.
Those who served/serve in any way for freedom throughout the world are our true hero’s. It does not matter what country they are serving for. These brave people work as one for freedom everywhere. Be well and God Bless all.
Frankly speaking #16
There is an eibishter everywhere, not just in EY!
Please don’t worry.
Good for you bro . I am really jealous of you. Much respect and good luck .
AM YISRAEL CHAI