Mendel Roth, from a community rooted in the conservative Mea Shearim, has dedicated the last decade to crafting music that speaks to millions through TikTok. His announcement a month ago, which garnered thousands of likes and hundreds of shares, confirmed his decision to serve in the IDF's combat unit, Chashmonaim Brigade.
Now, with "I Run to Battle," Roth shares a piece of his soul, the first single from an upcoming album, produced by the talented Yahal Doron. This song isn't just music; it's a call to action, an anthem of love for his people, and a plea for unity in the face of adversity.
Roth's music has always been a voice for the unspoken in Haredi society, from a love song that sparked debate two years ago to melodies addressing the struggle of non-conforming children. Despite the traditional opposition from some sector leaders to IDF service, Roth's enlistment in the Chashmonaim Brigade stands as a beacon, urging more young Haredi men to step up.
"After the trials this year has brought upon the Jewish people, I knew I could no longer stand idly by," Roth passionately declared. "A nation with a heart shattered so many times, losing so many of its children, sacrificing daily for its safety, there's no justification for me to shirk this sacred duty."
He was met with unexpected support from within his community. "I was amazed at the flood of positive reactions," Roth shared, revealing a silent majority within the Haredi world, waiting for a movement to make their service less daunting within their social fabric.
"The groundswell beneath the surface is real," Roth concluded, "and with the new Chashmonaim Brigade, there's potential for a significant change, as long as it respects our way of life."
In his song, Roth lays bare his reasons for choosing to fight. "I heard of a brother defending his siblings, leaving behind family and work for a year, I saw a nation of heroes with hearts of gold, and I raised my flag, I run to battle... In the study hall, a strong light shone within me, my brothers' blood spilled like water, my heart screamed out, I heard his pain, saw his tears, and my heart beat within me, I run to battle. Like King David, like Samson the hero, like the partisans fighting for light, like the Maccabees who triumphed over the Greeks, I run to fight to protect the Jews."
Arutz Sheva contributed to this article.
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