Injured IDF Soldiers Speak to Students

by Sam Levenson, SSLI '27

Last Wednesday, two recovering IDF soldiers came to share their experiences with Schechter’s high school students. Matan and Kayam both served in multiple IDF operations since the start of the war on October 7, 2023. They, among others who have been injured, have been supported by the Israeli organization Together For Them, which works to support wounded soldiers.

Matan Barr, a combat soldier, was first injured in training during an accident before the war. While his family urged him to accept the army’s offer to end his service, he decided to return and continue to serve after his recovery. Barr served as a tank commander in numerous operations in the West Bank, fighting against terrorism in the area. He was injured for a second time when an IED was detonated under his tank while he was inside it.

Matan Barr tells his story in an interview with Together for Them (YouTube).

The videos can be watched here: Matan Barr and Kayam Boccara.

Kayam Boccara is a combat engineer and commander who led his team into Gaza weeks after the war began. As an engineer, he was tasked with clearing out deadly traps from houses. He explained that as a leader of his battalion, he was always the first to go into a new area–he never sent his troops in before himself. While advancing into a building in Gaza after Boccara heard gunfire, an explosive detonated on his hand as he attempted to open a door. Boccara lost two close friends during that mission.

Today, both soldiers have recovered greatly, and, after months of hospitalization, physical therapy, and wearing casts, splints, and slings, they are healing from their wounds. Both Barr and Boccara now work with Together for Them, which supports their recovery and brings their stories to attentive audiences around the world.

Throughout the day, classes sat in and listened to the stories and the lessons Barr and Boccara shared. Mikey Benlevi, a senior, said, “They’re very hopeful about the future, even after everything they’ve gone through, for Israel and for the world.”

He added that “they both led their troops with such courage, always being the first person to go out onto the battlefield.” Junior Brian Melzer said, “The stories proved to me that you are able to come from different backgrounds and do significant things, regardless of your background.”

Barr grew up on Long Island and attended Schechter for a few years before choosing to enlist and serve in the IDF. Both he and Boccara are young and proud Zionists who expressed their joy in seeing the love of Israel displayed at Schechter.

Benlevi felt that Matan’s story of growing up in America and serving through injuries was greatly inspiring. Melzer noted that “it is relatable because they’re on the path I’d like to take after high school.”

Students had the opportunity to ask Boccara and Barr any questions that they had about the army, living in Israel, recovering from injuries, or fighting antisemitism. Benlevi spoke with them about how the experience of sharing their story has been therapeutic for them both. Melzer discussed the process of becoming a lone soldier and serving in the IDF through designated programs. The conversations were able to give these students an insight into what it’s like to be in the soldiers' shoes.

The soldiers closed by expressing that no matter what is going on in the world, the Jewish people must stay strong and united. They shared that even though not everyone can fight in the army, there are many ways to stand up for Israel through advocacy and education, and those who go to Schechter are lucky to be surrounded by supportive teachers and friends who love Israel.

Sam Levenson is a writer for Paw Print Now and has been published on the site since October 2023. Sam is currently a junior at Schechter School of Long Island and can be reached at the following email address: slevenson27@schechterli.org