First-Ever Graduate of Eli's Bnei David Academy Joins Knesset

Itamar Eitam was sworn in as a new Knesset member for the 26th Knesset on Tuesday, representing the Religious Zionism party. He was also appointed chairman of the party's faction in the Knesset. The Bnei David Academy in Eli congratulated Eitam, noting that he is the first graduate of their institutions to serve as a Knesset member. In their congratulatory message, they stated, "Congratulations to MK Itamar Eitam, a graduate of the 12th cohort at the Bnei David Academy in Eli, on his swearing-in to the Knesset and his appointment as chairman of the Religious Zionism faction in the Knesset!" The academy added, "Itamar is the first graduate of the institutions to serve as a Knesset member, and we are happy to see him continue in public service and bring with him the values and path on which he was raised." They concluded with wishes for success, "We wish him great success in his mission for the people of Israel and the State of Israel!"

Eitam, 45, is a retired Lieutenant Colonel, an educator, and a former reconnaissance battalion commander. Since the outbreak of the "Swords of Iron" war, he commanded the 6828th reconnaissance battalion of the Bislamach Brigade, which fought in the Gaza Strip and Lebanon. During the fighting in Jabalia, he was seriously wounded by Hamas sniper fire but returned to command his soldiers after a rehabilitation period. During the war, he accumulated nearly 700 days of reserve duty. Eitam grew up in Moshav Nov in the Golan Heights and is the son of retired Major General and former minister Efi Eitam. He is a graduate of the Hesder Yeshiva in Hispin and the Bnei David Academy in Eli, holds a master's degree in national security from Bar-Ilan University, and works in education in youth villages and informal settings. He is married with six children and resides in the community of Hosha'aya in the Lower Galilee.