Rabbi Nir Mas Returns to IDF Reserves After Injury and Personal Loss in Gaza Conflict
Rabbi Nir Yaakov Mas, head of the Lev Tel Aviv Hesder Yeshiva, voluntarily rejoined the IDF reserves despite being exempted, serving hundreds of days during the Iron Swords war. He was wounded in a combat accident in the Gaza Strip, lost two students and his son-in-law in the fighting, yet repeatedly returned to active duty. In a detailed interview on Channel 7's podcast, Rabbi Mas described the intense months balancing military service and yeshiva leadership, emphasizing the educational and spiritual duty to fight alongside students.
Rabbi Mas served in the 667th Nahal Reconnaissance Battalion and was assigned to the 98th Division’s mobility unit due to his operational driving expertise. His injury occurred near Khan Yunis during a night mission under harsh conditions. Despite severe wounds and temporary unconsciousness, he recovered quickly and resumed service within weeks. He praised the unity he witnessed among religious and secular soldiers fighting side by side, highlighting the critical role of Hesder yeshiva graduates who repeatedly return for reserve duty.
The rabbi mourned the deaths of two students, Staff Sergeant Lavi Gihasi and retired Staff Sergeant Uriel Silverman, and his son-in-law Benjamin Schreiber, who died during special forces training. He shared personal stories illustrating their deep faith and dedication, underscoring the generation’s spiritual strength and sacrifice. Rabbi Mas also addressed the controversy over canceling fast days, particularly Tisha B’Av, explaining that his views stem from in-depth study rather than provocation.
On the topic of Haredi enlistment, Rabbi Mas advocated for voluntary service based on personal choice rather than coercion, proposing a model granting 18-year-olds a five-year deferment to decide between Torah study and military or workforce service. He warned that current political discourse fuels division within the community. Finally, he described the yeshiva’s mission to connect Torah study with broader Israeli society, encouraging students to engage with diverse populations in Tel Aviv to deepen their learning and spiritual growth.
