"I always dreamed of wearing a red beret like Grandpa" Israel today

Corporal A., a lone soldier and a new immigrant from France, ended his beret campaign at the Commando School.

When he stood in front of his commanders, he received a beret that is not only a status symbol of excellence in the IDF, but also a sign of remembrance for his family's history.

A. immigrated to Israel from Paris last October following his older brother.

"I was very active in the discourse against anti-Semitism in Paris, and I told myself that if I really wanted to make an impact, I had to come up, mobilize and contribute of myself in Israel," he says.

"When I decided to immigrate to Israel and enlist before high school, I started preparing for enlistment.

I trained fitness alone in Paris, and taught myself Hebrew - all to be as ready as possible and reach the highest possible.

The dream was to do significant service in the IDF.

The grandfather of the family with the original beret, Photo: Dotz

Corporal A. enlisted through the Mahal (foreign volunteers) program, which enables the recruitment of young Jews from around the world, without Israeli citizenship. The standard program includes a year and a half of service in the IDF, but A. had no intention of making any assumptions. "I enlisted with the help of the program, knowing that I aspire to reach an elite unit and do longer service."

Last weekend, Corporal A completed the beret campaign, a significant milestone in the training of a commando fighter

.

Grandpa got my grandfather's beret himself on his beret campaign on the paratroopers, and now he has given it to me.

From the moment I decided to go up and enlist, I knew I was striving to reach an elite unit and wear a red beret like Grandpa.

The end of the journey in the commando for me is also for him.

I believe that this is the most beautiful and correct way to remember my grandfather, and to maintain Israel's security. "A. will now continue with his friends in the elite unit on the route, on the way to long and meaningful service in the IDF.