Ezra Yakhin, a 96-year-old veteran of the Lehi movement, continues to serve in the IDF rabbinate and was recently promoted to Command Sergeant Major in a special ceremony.
Yakhin still serves in the reserves. During the ceremony, he was noted for his primary role of inspiring the fighters and assuring them that despite the challenges posed by the Arabs, victory will once again be ours.
Ever since the war started, Yakhin has been going to bases, and numerous soldiers have shared selfies with him, the IDF's most senior reservist, on social platforms. Yakhin is usually associated with the IDF Rabbinate and the Education Corps unit of educators known as "Torchbearers."
During the promotional event, spectators were informed that he light a torch during the previous Independence Day, influencing the new generation with his combat legacy. Recently, and particularly since the start of the war, Ezra Yakhin has toured different units representing the Rabbinate. He is an engaging speaker, and now he has been promoted to Command Sergeant Major.
A few months ago, Yakhin explained to the Beer Sheva newspaper that he presents information to soldiers, motivates them, and discusses how self-sacrifice and love for Israel led to victories in our time. I say to them: "the greater your love for the people of Israel and the land of Israel, the more victories we will achieve. The strength of Israel's love is stronger than any weapon, guiding our weapons effectively and ensuring victory. Rise up with love for Israel and the land of Israel, conquer the enemy, and protect Israel."
Throughout the day, Yakhin moves among large groups of soldiers, delivering passionate speeches to rekindle their long-standing warrior mindset. "Wherever I go in front of troops, at various military bases, they all welcome me eagerly as they are familiar with my teachings and writings." The soldiers lift me up on their shoulders. I make contact with them. I warn them to be cautious as our adversary is sly and ruthless, stay vigilant in battle, and launch a successful attack on them.
Yakhin marked Simchat Torah at his son's home in Anatot, but he claimed that prior to the holiday, he was already diligently monitoring each news report, and had actually predicted the war. In the month leading up to the war, I made sure to read every news article because I sensed it was imminent. "I grasped what our government, politicians, and the media failed to grasp."
Not long after the war began, he was formally drafted, but he feels like he has always been on duty. On the second day, I received a call. From the time I was 15 years old and became part of the Lehi organization, I have continuously served the people of Israel. Yakhin stated that only death can free him from his duty, quoting a line from the Lehi anthem titled Chayalim Almonim (Unknown Soldiers).