Brother of Fallen Soldiers Shares Painful Life Story, Enters Politics
Translated & summarized from Kikar HaShabbat by baba
Elisaif Peretz, brother of fallen soldiers Uriel and Eliraz Peretz, has entered politics with the "Yashar" party. He shared his life story, marked by the deaths of his brothers and father, and his military service in Gaza. Peretz founded an association for bereaved siblings and aims to advocate for them in the Knesset. His political move is driven by a desire to change public discourse and promote responsibility, criticizing the current government and aspects of Haredi education and conscription policies.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Elisaif Peretz, brother of fallen soldiers, enters politics with the "Yashar" party.
- Peretz shared his childhood trauma of losing brother Uriel and later brother Eliraz.
- He founded "Our Brothers" to support bereaved siblings and seeks Knesset representation for them.
- Peretz aims to change political discourse, criticizing government policies and Haredi education.
- He served in the Golani Brigade during Operation Cast Lead in Gaza.
Elisaif Peretz, son of the late Eliezer and Miriam Peretz and brother to the fallen soldiers Uriel and Eliraz Peretz, has entered politics as candidate number 20 on the "Yashar" party list led by Gadi Eisenkot. In a candid interview, Peretz shared the profound grief and resilience that have shaped his life, from the childhood trauma of losing his brother Uriel to his military service in Gaza and the subsequent loss of his brother Eliraz.
Peretz recounted the moment he learned of Uriel's death at age 12, describing his initial disbelief and the surreal experience of smiling in front of a mirror, questioning how anyone could smile when their brother was killed. He spoke of the anger he felt towards God, the army, and his parents, and how he used his status as a bereaved sibling to manipulate teachers. The family's tragedy deepened when his father, Eliezer, died of a heart attack six years later, reportedly from heartbreak over Uriel's death, leaving an 18-year-old Elisaif to become the family's responsible adult.
Despite these losses, Peretz enlisted in the Golani Brigade's reconnaissance unit. He described his combat experience during Operation Cast Lead in Gaza, including an incident where soldiers assisted a Palestinian woman in labor within a house taken over by his unit. He also recounted a powerful reunion with his brother, Major Eliraz Peretz, who surprised him in Gaza, describing their embrace as a violent but loving expression of brotherhood.
The most devastating blow came in March 2010 when Eliraz was killed. Peretz described his mother's desperate attempt to lock the door against the news and his own internal struggle to choose life over succumbing to grief. He stated that his greatest victory over the terrorists is choosing to wake up each day, smile, and be thankful.
Peretz founded the "Our Brothers" association to support bereaved siblings, who he feels are often overlooked. He aims to establish an official representative organization in the Knesset to provide them with treatment, grants, and rehabilitation. He explained his decision to enter politics stems from witnessing politicians from opposing sides attacking each other after soldiers from all backgrounds fought and sacrificed in the recent war, motivating him to change the public discourse.
He identified as a right-wing individual but criticized the current government, particularly its support for draft dodgers. Peretz also voiced strong criticism of the Haredi political leadership, arguing that funding educational institutions that do not teach core subjects condemns children to poverty. He believes that those who do not serve the country should not receive from it, suggesting alternative frameworks for Haredi conscription or national service.