IDF Hero Visits Emory

Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Sgt. Avichai Yaakov served with Major Roi Klein, who fell in the Second Lebanon War during the battle in Bint Jbeil on July 26, 2006 by covering a grenade with his body to save his troops. Sgt. Yaakov entered the battle scene several times, under heavy fire and great personal risk, and showed fierce leadership to rescue the wounded. He received the Medal of Valor in recognition of the heroism, leadership, initiative and combat spirit he exhibited during this battle.

Sgt. Yaakov visited Hillel at Emory on July 29, 2010 to talk about his new mission: to teach the youth of Israel how to be the finest leaders in Israel.

A graduate of the TAMIR Organization for Social Leadership program, Sgt. Yaakov has returned to teach the next generation of Israelis. TAMIR reaches out to Israeli youth in underprivileged communities and prepares them for leadership in Israel Defense Forces (IDF), in their own communities, and in society as a whole. TAMIR was founded on the premise that a strong connection with Judaism can promote self-confidence, spiritual conviction, and a broad sense of personal and national mission.

Sgt. Yaakov and Rabbi Yaee'sh Hanuna, the director of a new religious and social leadership program of TAMIR, gave a presentation and answered questions about the IDF and TAMIR. For more information about TAMIR, visit their website here.