Ofer Winter Revives Controversial IDF Letter in New Election Campaign
Translated & summarized from Srugim by baba
Ofer Winter, chairman of the "Am Yisrael" party, is using a controversial battle letter he wrote in 2014 for his election campaign. The letter, which combined military directives with religious messages, caused a public debate about faith in the IDF. Winter's campaign video features the letter, connecting its themes to his political platform and party name.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Ofer Winter is using a controversial 2014 IDF battle letter in his "Am Yisrael" party election campaign.
- The letter, written to Givati Brigade soldiers, combined military mission with religious faith and prayer.
- Critics argued the letter gave the fight a religious war character, while supporters defended its message.
- Winter's campaign video features the letter alongside a reservist soldier preparing for duty.
- The phrase "Am Yisrael" from the letter now also represents the name of Winter's political party.
Ofer Winter, chairman of the "Am Yisrael" party, has incorporated a widely discussed battle letter he wrote in 2014 into his new election campaign. The letter, penned for soldiers of the Givati Brigade at the start of Operation Protective Edge, caused significant public controversy at the time and became a symbol for his supporters.
The campaign video features a reservist soldier preparing for deployment while Winter reads excerpts from the letter. The text, originally emphasizing the mission, willingness to risk lives for families, the nation, and the homeland, also included messages of faith and prayer. Winter wrote then that "History chose us to be at the forefront of the fight against the Gazan terrorist enemy, who curses, reviles, and blasphemes the God of the Armies of Israel." He also included a prayer invoking God's help for their mission against an enemy that blasphemes His name.
The letter sparked a wide public debate regarding the place of religious messages in IDF commanders' orders. Critics argued Winter's phrasing gave the fight a religious war character, while supporters defended the connection between the military mission and Jewish faith and tradition.
Now, Winter is bringing the letter back to the forefront in his political campaign. The phrase "Am Yisrael" (the people of Israel), which appeared in his prayer for the soldiers, now also signifies the name of his party.
Not the same event — other stories that share this one’s people, places, or theme: background, reactions, and follow-ups.
