There is one moment that comes up again and again in the stories of reservists since October 7. It is the moment when you find yourself standing next to someone you might never have met in civilian life. He votes differently from you. He prays differently from you, or does not pray at all. You may disagree on almost every issue that divides Israeli society and then you enter Gaza or Lebanon together.
And in that moment, all the labels shrink in the face of one simple truth: this is home for both of us.
Since October 7, I have met thousands of reservists and their families. I have seen up close the enormous price they are paying. But I have also seen something else.
I have seen one of the most beautiful versions of Israeli society.
In the reserves, disagreements did not disappear. What changed was the order of priorities. Suddenly, the mission was bigger than the argument. Shared responsibility was stronger than the need to prove who was right.
And that may be one of the greatest gifts the reservist generation can give Israel: proof that unity does not require uniformity.
Unity: A strategic asset
But our unity has significance that extends far beyond the relationships between us. Unity is also a strategic asset.
The world is watching Israel. When Israel appears divided, it is perceived as weaker. But the opposite is also true. When we are united, we are stronger not only at home, but also in the world.
We do not need to apologize for disagreeing. We need to apologize if we have forgotten that we belong to one another.
Because ultimately, our internal resilience and our standing in the world are not two separate stories. They are interconnected. A united Israel is a stronger Israel.
The writer is the founder and CEO of the Nifgashim Movement.