From Sinai to Gaza: How War Forged a Brotherhood Between an IDF Reservist and His Grandfather
The touching story of IDF reserve driver Ido Arbel and his grandfather Moti, a veteran infantryman, whose deep family bond transformed into a unique brotherhood of warriors during the ongoing war.
For Ido Arbel, a 28-year-old Tel Aviv resident serving as a driver in the Alexandroni Brigade reserves, his grandparents' house is always the place he longs to return to.
"I lived my entire childhood right here, close to my grandparents, and any excuse to come here is a blessing," Ido says, explaining the importance of his grandfather's role in the family. "Grandfather is the head of the tribe; he keeps the Arbel family together. Every grandchild who reaches the age of Bar Mitzvah or Bat Mitzvah goes through a series of tasks with him."
Life Skills and Family Traditions
This series of challenges combines practical life skills with meaningful experiences.
Grandfather Moti recalls with a smile:
"Making fried eggs, hanging a picture, shooting an air rifle and a pistol, and hiking Masada. We did many things, always by mutual agreement, through conversations."
Ido quickly reinforces his grandfather's words:
"With full consent. I look up to him every day as a role model. Grandfather is the most experienced combat veteran here—he has been through everything, seen everything, and knows everything."
From Generation to Generation: A Bond Turned into Brotherhood
With the outbreak of the war and his prolonged reserve service, their deep family connection took on a unique new dimension.
"I think that in recent years, and particularly during this war, a closeness has developed that goes beyond grandfather and grandson—it is truly a brotherhood of warriors," Ido says.
Moti, who fought as an infantryman in the Sinai, Lebanon, and throughout Israel's wars, understands exactly what his grandson means:
"Being an infantryman means eating dirt—whether in Lebanon or Gaza. These are the same experiences of a combat unit, and the spirit remains exactly the same."
For Ido, his grandfather's rich experience has become a massive source of support in the field: "Consulting and sharing things with him really helps. It created another common topic and something else we can talk about. Any opportunity to make grandfather happy, we run with it."
During a special moment of the visit, Ido presented his grandfather with a heartfelt letter of appreciation:
"To my dear grandfather, may you continue to be a significant anchor in my life for many more years. I love and appreciate you so much."
The moving gesture deeply touched Moti.
"I was so afraid of retirement, but it turns out this is the most beautiful chapter of life. What do you need in life? Good health and joy from your grandchildren," Moti says. He concludes with a warm wish for his grandson: "I wish for Ido that when he reaches the end of this year and looks back, he will smile with satisfaction and say to himself, 'Wow, I had a very good year.' May it be so for all the people of Israel—Amen."
