On the first anniversary of the passing of Staff Sergeant David Sasson, may his memory be blessed, a memorial service will be held on Wednesday, 26 March 2025, at 15:30 at the Netanya Military Cemetery.
Dear Alumni,
We’re excited to announce the opening of registration for both mentors and mentees for Cohort B of the “Guiding Paw” mentoring program, led by the Leading the Pack Foundation.
The program is designed to offer support and guidance to alumni who are seeking direction and mentorship from experienced professionals in fields relevant to the personal and professional challenges they are facing.
Who is the program for?
Anyone who served in the unit and is currently facing a professional or personal crossroads.
Who is the program not for?
This is not a therapeutic framework, a career placement service, or a platform for short-term, one-off guidance.
More details can be found in the alumni WhatsApp group.
As the first cohort of the “Guiding Paw” mentoring program comes to a close, program coordinator Amit Granech shares:
Last week, members of the first mentoring cohort gathered for a final meeting—marking the end of a journey that began back in May, when each mentoring pair met as strangers. Over time, they built trust and connection, with the focus always on the mentee’s needs and growth.
Throughout the past seven months, the pairs met and spoke regularly, according to what each mentee needed. Every two months, the entire group came together for professional enrichment sessions led by experts and guest speakers from a variety of fields. More than that, they helped build a new community within the alumni network—one rooted in support, development, and personal and professional growth.
At the closing event, the participants reflected on what worked well and what could be improved for future cohorts. They also enjoyed a tour of the unit’s facilities, shared stories from their time in service, and reflected on their experiences in the mentoring process. Each participant received a certificate of completion and a special gift from the organization.
We would like to thank Amit Granech, Sapir Bar Ilan, and Itay Raz for founding and leading the program, the mentors and mentees for their belief and commitment to its success, Gil Honigszman for his guest lecture, and the unit for hosting the closing event.
For more information about the mentoring program, visit the Mentoring Program page. To ask questions or register for the next cohort, join the alumni WhatsApp group.
At the end of November, a bonding and processing day was held for the bereaved families of the unit, followed by a scholarship ceremony for the unit’s alumni in memory of the fallen soldiers.
We had the privilege of offering the families a day of unique experiences. They enjoyed shared time at a resort, including pool and spa treatments, and we held a group resilience session led by Eti Sela, a therapist from the NATAL organization. It was an emotional experience connecting the families with each other, the association, laughing and crying together, talking, and embracing.
Dear families, we want you to know that we are always with you, supporting you, even on days dedicated to stepping away from the routine. In the second part of the day, the association’s scholarship ceremony took place, with the 2024 scholarship recipients present.
During the ceremony, representatives from the families awarded the scholarships in memory of their loved ones who fell during their service. Thank you to everyone who took part in this emotional day – the committee members, the association’s volunteers, the scholarship recipients, and especially – the families.
It is with great sorrow and a broken heart that we announce the fall of Sergeant Major Guy Ben-Harush z"l, commander of an assault unit, who fell in battle in southern Lebanon.
The funeral will take place tomorrow, Friday, October 25, 2025, at 10:00 AM at the Pardes Hanna cemetery.
We share in the family’s sorrow, embrace, and love them.
On the occasion of the one-year anniversary of the fall of Arie Tziring, of blessed memory, a memorial service will take place on Friday, October 25, 2024. Additional details can be found in the alumni group.
Wishing you a joyful Sukkot holiday, and may we hear only good news.
From the Leading the Pack Foundation.
They went on a mission together in Khan Yunis and returned from it, each without their left leg. They underwent long rehabilitation—N. at Beilinson Hospital and Shaquil at a veterinary hospital—and now they are planning the next chapter of their shared lives, after N.’s family adopted the military dog as a pet.
To continue reading the article from Yedioth Ahronoth, click here.
One year since October 7th, we invite you to visit our social media pages to stay updated on documentation in memory of the fallen and heroic fighters.
We hope the hostages will return soon, our fighters will come back safely, and a full and complete recovery to our wounded.
The Leading the Pack family wishes you a sweet and peaceful New Year.
May we all merit quiet days, the return of the hostages, the safe return of our fighters, and a speedy recovery for our wounded.
May we know even better days ahead 🐾🎗️💙🍯🍎
Yesterday, the Unit held the Rosh Hashanah 5785 Commander’s Award Ceremony, attended by Commander of the Merom Formation, Col. Gil Elia, who presented ranks during the event.
After an intensive year, we are proud of our alumni serving in the reserves who received commendations: Master Sergeant (Res.) A., Captain (Res.) A., Staff Sergeant (Res.) Tz., Master Sergeant (Res.) R., and Master Sergeant (Res.) A.
Congratulations as well to Major (Res.) A. and Major (Res.) R. on receiving their new ranks.
Dear pre-recruits – You can find information about the selection and recruitment process for combat roles in the unit Oketz K9 page.
Good luck!
The upcoming memorial services for the unit’s fallen alumni are:
Only two weeks left to apply!
Please note that the application process requires time and thoughtful preparation. Click here for more details about the program.
Still unsure? A Zoom info session for prospective candidates will be held next Saturday night, September 28. Details are available in the alumni WhatsApp group.
Registration is now open for the sixth cohort of the annual Hoffman-Kofman EIDF Leadership Program. Click here to register, and visit the program page for more information.
Over 20 alumni are expected to join the upcoming shortened cohort.
Best of luck to all participants!
The Leading the Pack Foundation is excited to announce the launch of a new weekly yoga group for unit alumni – “Upward Dog”.
The program is open to everyone – with or without prior yoga experience.
Sessions will take place in Herzliya, on Tuesday mornings from 07:00 to 08:30, in collaboration with the Brothers for Yoga organization.
During the Iron Swords war, the unit lost 29 dogs—10 of whom have no known burial site.
Mido – partner of fighter T., Gandhi – partner of fighter B., Koda – partner of fighter H., Jocky – partner of fighter G., Ziva – partner of fighter T., Rico – partner of fighter N., Charlie – partner of fighter A., Toy – partner of fighter R., Max – partner of fighter N.
As part of the ceremony, the dog Sitka, who fell in the war alongside his handler Staff Sergeant David Sasson, of blessed memory, was also laid to rest. David’s parents attended the burial ceremony, and his mother gave a heartfelt speech.
To read more, we invite you to visit our Facebook page.
Lieutenant Colonel A. has completed his role as the unit commander after two very significant years leading the unit during the Iron Swords war.
These two years were filled with operational achievements, during which the unit saved many lives, showed exceptional fighting spirit, and had a tremendous impact across all combat sectors.
Lieutenant Colonel A. concludes a chapter in his 14 years of service with the unit, during which he made invaluable contributions to the development and strengthening of the unit and its fighters in every position he held, excelling and leading with distinction for the people of Israel. We also thank him for the tremendous progress in the communication and partnership with the foundation and alumni during his tenure.
On behalf of the unit’s alumni and the foundation members, we express our immense gratitude and appreciation to him and his family, and we wish him great success in his new role as the G3 Officer for Division 98. He will forever be a part of the Oketz family.
The incoming unit commander, Lieutenant Colonel S., a commander and professional fighter, began his journey in the unit as an assault soldier. He served in various roles, including squad commander, school commander, and deputy battalion commander in the Nahal Brigade.
Lieutenant Colonel S. took command of the unit yesterday in an emotional ceremony and will be the third commander to rise from within our ranks.
We wish Lieutenant Colonel S. much success in his significant role leading the unit and its fighters to victory.
Alumni of the unit who haven’t registered for the foundation yet?
In the navigation bar click the “Join Us” button.
After registration, you will receive a confirmation email. If you don’t receive the email by the end of the registration process (be sure to check your spam folder), please contact the foundation’s email address, which is at the bottom of the page.
We look forward to having you with us!
Dear alumni,
We are happy and excited to launch the first phase of the “Karlo” Fund — a support fund for the care of retired unit dogs, in collaboration with Hayuta – Pet Health Insurance.
The fund is managed by a professional committee led by Dr. Yossi Wein, which will provide real-time guidance and assistance to alumni who have adopted dogs released from service in the unit.
For more information about Carlo and the fund’s activity, visit the "Karlo Fund for Dogs” page.
Stay updated via the alumni WhatsApp group!
Not yet registered with the alumni foundation? Sign up on our website.
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The Leading the Pack Foundation is proud to announce an inspiring collaboration with “HaMerhav HaShalem”, an initiative that extends educational programming in schools through a wide variety of fields—technology, sports, arts, outdoor activities, sciences, and social values. As part of its work, the initiative devotes significant focus to encounters and seminars that explore social and ethical questions surrounding Israeli identity, Zionism, and societal challenges.
As part of the “My Hero” program, we’re looking for you—the reservists, security forces, medical and rescue personnel, volunteers in advocacy and aid efforts, those helping in agriculture, and all the women and men who held the home front with courage.
Those who spent long weeks in reserve duty, returned from battle, and made personal sacrifices for the country—and now want to share that powerful spirit and solidarity with the next generation: with our youth, in classrooms, in schools, and throughout Israeli society.
Your story deserves to be heard across the country, helping shape the collective story of Israel’s resilience.
Fill out your details and we will match you with a school, pre-army academy, or partner organizations in the social and business sectors.
We’re waiting for you. Join us!
Grant us the strength, once more, to tremble as we bear
upon our palms the silver platter – our children’s glory.
Grant us strength – to rejoice,
and to weep – until the end.
Grant us strength to hold within a single heart
the intoxication of great joy and the thousands of griefs.
Grant us strength to meet the widows’ eyes in their mourning,
to stand in silence before their endless sorrow.
Grant us strength – to forget
vengeance and blood.
Grant us strength to return from the tank
to a festival, to a weekday,
to sow tomorrow’s wheat in yesterday’s battlefield.”
(Tirza Atar, “Grant Us Strength”)
Yom HaZikaron and Yom HaAtzmaut arrive each year back to back, as symbols of the miraculous revival of the State of Israel—against all odds and all who sought to destroy it throughout history.
In the 76 years of our nation’s existence, we have risen time and again from the ashes—remembering and honoring those who gave their lives for us, while also celebrating our independence with pride and gratitude.
This year, we mark Memorial Day while war still rages on our borders.
Our warriors—on two legs and on four—have stood at the front lines since day one of this conflict, leading the way to ensure the continued rebirth and resilience of the Jewish people in our homeland.
This is our deepest moral obligation.
We remember those who gave their lives for Israel and its people.
We pray for the safe return of our soldiers from the battlefield, and for the swift return of the hostages to their families.
And we ask for strength—even after the battles end—to carry on rebuilding Israeli society, and to serve the veterans of the unit and the families of the fallen.
May the memory of the fallen and the murdered be a blessing.
Fire, brothers, fire — our town is all aflame.
Black winds rage within it,
Flames of destruction blaze,
No trace of it remains.
It goes up in flames —
And you stand, arms folded,
Without extending help,
Without extinguishing the blaze.
The fire of the town!
Fire, brothers, fire —
The hour is near, God forbid,
For the flames will consume
Us all here —
Only crumbling walls will remain
To tell what once was.
And you stand, arms folded,
Without extending help,
Without extinguishing the blaze.
The fire of the town!
— Poet: Mordechai Gebirtig
— Translation: Avraham Levinson
The song “Our Town is Burning” was written by Mordechai Gebirtig (translated by Avraham Levinson) in response to a wave of pogroms that swept through Jewish communities across Poland between 1935–1937. The poem came to be seen as a chilling premonition and a warning in the face of looming catastrophe. Gebirtig himself perished in the Holocaust, murdered during the Kraków Ghetto Aktion in June 1942.
This year, the eve of Holocaust Remembrance Day meets us differently. Gebirtig’s words now seem hauntingly written by the residents of Be’eri, Kfar Aza, Sderot, Netivot, Nir Oz, Nirim, Zikim, and the many other kibbutzim and towns in the western Negev that were massacred, raped, burned, and abducted on October 7th — even though we now have a country of our own.
Amid the destruction and horror, we also witness incredible stories of heroism — of people who risked their lives to save their brothers and sisters when no one else was there to help.
As those who were raised to “lead from the front” and command forces on the battlefield — just as our fighters have done, and continue to do, with courage and sacrifice since the outbreak of the “Iron Swords” war — we bow our heads this Holocaust Remembrance Day to honor the victims, embrace the heroism, and reaffirm our duty to lead the processes of rebuilding and recovery.
All of this — to ensure the rebirth and security of the State of Israel.
As every day, and especially today, we pray for the safety and swift return of the hostages to their homes and families.
Amen.
Each year, Jewish families in Israel and around the world gather to read the Haggadah. This year, its words and verses carry a renewed and powerful meaning: “In every generation, one must see themselves as if they personally came out of Egypt.”
Even today, 76 years after becoming a free people in our own land, there are still those who seek to destroy us and take away our freedom.
May the arrival of spring and nature’s renewal bring with it better days — filled with security, the swift return of the hostages to their homes, national resilience, solidarity, unity, and peace.
Thank you to our alumni community, volunteers, donors, members of the board, and everyone involved in the activities of the foundation. Your dedication is deeply appreciated and truly heartwarming.
We will continue to act as a foundation for the benefit of the unit’s alumni, to support bereaved families, and to embrace and accompany the wounded.
We pray for the safe return of the hostages.
Wishing you a joyful Festival of Freedom!
We were honored to take part in the unit’s evening of appreciation, held under the theme of Operation Iron Swords.
We remain committed to standing by the unit — the two-legged and four-legged fighters, the wounded, the bereaved families, our alumni, and the reservists — even after the fighting ends.
Our alumni community continues to grow, and this is an opportunity to thank all of you who are actively supporting the unit during the war and in times of routine.
We held an educational guidance conference for recently discharged members of the unit. During the event, we discussed how to make the right academic choices, hosted a panel of students and employment professionals, and enjoyed a guest lecture by Ms. Idit Biton from the Arison School of Business at Reichman University.
We’d like to thank Playtika, the alumni who helped organize the event, and all the newly discharged soldiers — welcome to civilian life and to our alumni community.
We’re here to support you every step of the way.
Sergeant N., from the November 2022 cohort, was severely injured during the fighting in the Gaza Strip.
This week, right after completing the warrior’s pin march, his team members went straight to the hospital to personally present him with the pin.
We wish him strength and a full recovery. We are proud of you and love you!
Photo: IDF Spokesperson’s Unit.
This week, the November ’22 cohort completed their training.
From the speech delivered at the unit’s induction march ceremony by the Training Base Commander, Maj. A.:
“He ain't heavy — he’s my brother. A year ago, Aryeh Ziring z”l completed this same march with his platoon and chose to add a symbolic final act — carrying the dogs in their arms — to represent the deep bond between a fighter and their dog.
It was important to me to pass Aryeh’s spirit on to you, and so your march also included this segment, now named “Ma’aleh Aryeh” (“Aryeh’s Ascent”). Aryeh created it, and he who completes it is a lion (aryeh).”
We wish a full and speedy recovery to our wounded from November ’22: Sgt. N., Sgt. L., Sgt. Sh., and Sgt. Sh. We’re with you every step of the way in your recovery.
Marking 30 days since his passing, we dedicate this march to the memory of Sgt. David Sasson z”l — with love and longing.
We also remember and honor our four-legged heroes: Sitka, Jocky, Chief, Rico, and Boiler.
A., a reservist in the operational platoon and a unit alumnus, together with N., a fighter in the explosives handling platoon who was injured during the fighting, took part in a delegation of the IDF Disabled Veterans Organization in New York.
During the month of April, the operational reservist platoon—composed of the unit’s alumni—embarked on a “Discharge Journey” to process their combat experiences following an intense period of fighting.
Dear Alumni,
Choosing a career is one of the most important decisions you’ll make in your life.
Before you take that step, we’d like to invite you to a study guidance conference that will help you choose the profession that’s right for you.
📅 The event will take place on April 14, 2024
🕑 From 14:00 to 19:30
📍 Azrieli Sarona Towers, 121 Menachem Begin Rd, Floor 53, Tel Aviv
🎟 Participation requires prior registration:
📞 By phone: 052-5538254
🔗 Or via the following link: Register here
Looking forward to seeing you there!
Last night, we held a private screening of the film Arthur the King, based on a true story — the most challenging survival race in the world, and one stray dog that changed the course of it all.
Fighter T’, from the Assault Platoon — whose dogs Middo and Tamara were killed in action — shared with us the combat experience of a soldier and dog fighting side by side.
The evening was attended by alumni and friends of the organization, wounded from “Operation Iron Swords,” commanders, fighters, and support personnel from the unit.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to Beni and Alex Shvili of Shoval Films, to Avi and Moshe Edri of United King Films, and to Lawrence Bakery, who from the very beginning of the war have generously treated our wounded in hospitals — and once again, last night, spoiled us with their heavenly cookies.
Deep thanks to Shiri Amit, Chen Tzur, Chava Goldwasser, Hagar Agmon Almagor, and Ronit Oz for their tireless help throughout the war, their support of the unit, and their ongoing care for our wounded.
Photo: Asaf Lev
Debbie and Mark Ziring, parents of the late Major Aryeh Ziring z”l — commander of the Assault Platoon who fell in battle on October 7th — were deeply moved as they handed out memorial race shirts to wounded fighters of the unit currently in rehabilitation, ahead of the commemorative race held on the morning of Friday, March 8th.
The race was joined by the Ziring family, close friends, the unit commander Lt. Col. A’, alumni of the unit, active fighters, and support personnel.
The day before the race, Debbie shared these heartfelt words:
“Good afternoon! Along with the shirt, each of you received a small Israeli flag. When Aryeh ran the San Francisco Marathon, he kept an Israeli flag in his pocket, on which he had written: ‘In memory of all those who fell in Israel’s wars.’ He took it out as he crossed the finish line.
We encourage you to write the names of fallen soldiers you wish to dedicate your run to on your flag. You can fold it and place it in your pocket, or pin it to your shirt (each flag includes pins).
I’d also like to take this opportunity to mention Sgt. Maj. David Sasson z”l, a fighter in the Assault Platoon, who fell yesterday. We grieve his loss and embrace his family and brothers-in-arms.
From our family to yours — thank you to each and every one of you who joined us to run in Aryeh’s light and memory. We are overwhelmed by the number of participants and look forward to seeing you all tomorrow.
A huge thank you to the Hartstein family, who conceived the idea, initiated, and organized every detail — design, printing, logistics, and funding. They are people of kindness and good deeds, and we are lucky to have had their friendship for many years.
Thanks as well to the Igus, Balcombe, Barak, Jacoby, Wunsch, Levy, Nussdorfer, and Schwartz families, who helped fund the shirts.
Tomorrow, nearly 900 of us will run together!
Wishing all the runners a successful race and better news ahead.”
With deep sorrow and broken hearts, we mourn the loss of Sgt. Maj. David Sasson z”l, an assault fighter who was killed in action during the fighting in the Gaza Strip.
We send our heartfelt condolences to his family, and wrap them in love and support during this unimaginable time.
May his memory be a blessing.
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On January 25th, we held a special evening dedicated to awarding academic scholarships in memory of the unit’s fallen, granted to the unit’s alumni.
The event took place in the presence of bereaved family representatives, alumni, and members of the board.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to Adv. Yossi Markovitz – Pearl Cohen Zedek Latzer Baratz – for graciously hosting the ceremony.
Photo: Ohad Nir.
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As part of the screening and recruitment process for combat soldiers into the unit, candidates must mark “4-5” on their enlistment form to indicate interest in the unit and attend an orientation day held on base.
To register:
Meitav Hotline – *111
Oketz Candidates Hotline – 052-9017303
Unit Orientation Days will be held on the following dates:
Good luck!
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Dear alumni,
As part of our ongoing efforts to support our alumni beyond their service, we’re pleased to announce a new partnership with NATAL – an organization specializing in mental health and resilience.
They’re here for you – now, and in the days to come.
More details are available in the alumni WhatsApp group.
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During a visit to the unit, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant addressed the soldiers of Oketz:
“Hamas never imagined we’d reach the most sensitive areas that we’ve already reached. We’re continuing to dismantle their entire network and infrastructure.”
Minister Gallant received an operational briefing highlighting the unit’s role in the war — focusing on the detection of tunnel shafts, explosives, terrorists, and weapons. He also held a deep-dive session on the unit’s operational and technological advancements in underground warfare and engaged in a direct conversation with the soldiers.
The visit was attended by the IDF Ground Forces Commander, Brig. Gen. Eran Uliel; the Commander of the Marom Brigade, Col. Gil Eliyah; and the unit’s commander, Lt. Col. A.
Here’s what Minister Gallant had to say during his talk with the soldiers:
“This unit is at the frontlines of the fighting and is doing an outstanding job — and I say that with no reservations. First and foremost, I want to express my appreciation to the female and male soldiers, to the commanders, to the entire formation, for what you’re doing. And it’s important that this message reaches every soldier out in the field and everyone involved.
Your actions are saving lives. You are bringing the capability to fight underground — in areas we’ve never fought in before. We’re entering locations Hamas never dreamed we would reach. We’re making progress, dismantling all the networks they’ve built, and reaching their most sensitive strongholds.
I also want to commend the integration of female fighters into the heart of the action — both in active service and in the reserves. It’s encouraging to see their involvement in combat, in Judea and Samaria, and in Gaza.
After seeing what female officers and commanders did on October 7th — charging forward, commanding, and fighting on foot, in vehicles, tanks, and helicopters — it’s clear that long-held doubts and misconceptions in Israeli society have been put to rest.
We will reach a point where Hamas is defeated — its infrastructure dismantled, its military capacity neutralized, and its rule denied. There is no more just cause than this, because everyone understands what the alternative would mean.”
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This morning, we kicked off the “Oketz Yamtov” program — a unique initiative for our alumni that combines surfing, inter-generational dialogue sessions, and processing of military service experiences.
Leading the Pack Foundation extends heartfelt thanks to the Yamtov initiative for this collaboration, and we’re already looking ahead to the next session.
Yamtov is a community-based program that supports the rehabilitation of IDF combat veterans through water sports.
Registration for the program is available via the alumni community WhatsApp group.
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After a challenging year, the female fighters of Team Bardian have successfully completed their training and joined the operational unit.
These new fighters are now taking part in nightly operations across Judea and Samaria, using their canine partners to locate weapons and help safeguard the security of the State of Israel.
Leading the Pack Foundation congratulates the new fighters and remains committed to supporting the unit’s soldiers and alumni at every opportunity.
Registration for the 5784 academic year scholarship program is now closed.
All details can be found on the dedicated page on our website or via the “About the Foundation” category.
Good luck to all applicants!
On Thursday, August 3rd, we held our first-ever discharge conference initiated by the foundation for 2023 veterans.
We were thrilled by the turnout of around 70 fighters and soldiers — both recent graduates of the unit and those preparing for discharge.
The conference was graciously hosted by Playtika, and the newly discharged attendees enjoyed a lineup of engaging talks:
🔸 Vered Shochat – UApp
🔸 “Travel Safe” organization and Hilik Magnus
🔸 Yossi Melamed – CEO of Mamram Foundation on entering the high-tech world
🔸 Oshrat Tzarfati on personal branding, résumés, and job interviews
🔸 “Warriors Without Borders” organization
🔸 Matanya Davidian – overview of the Leading the Pack foundation
⭐ A big thank you to the speakers for their excellent and enriching talks, helping prepare the discharged soldiers for civilian life and their big post-army trips.
⭐ Special thanks to:
⭐ And a final, especially heartfelt thank you to Ron Philos from the board, who led the planning and execution of the event over recent weeks, and to the foundation volunteers Nurit Freedman, Ido Bonneh, and Nitzal Tal for their assistance and graphic design support.
The foundation will continue to accompany discharged soldiers and remain a home for unit alumni for generations to come.
Dear members of the foundation,
Registration for the Pay It Forward program closed on August 31.
This program is a short-format (about 11 weeks) spin-off of the Hoffman-Kaufman program, primarily designed for ages 20–30.
The program takes place in groups of 7 participants who learn and explore fascinating content together on various topics related to personal development and leadership.
For registration and more information:
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After a challenging year, Team Russo has officially completed its training program.
The excited new combat soldiers will immediately join ongoing operations in Judea and Samaria, where, with the help of their dogs, they will assist in locating weapons and ensuring the safety of our forces and the citizens of Israel.
The foundation congratulates the new fighters and will continue to support the unit at every opportunity.
It’s almost here – the Discharge Conference of the “Leading the Pack” Foundation!
The event will take place at the Playtika offices in Herzliya on August 8, 2023, and will prepare recent veterans for the big post-army trip, entry into the job market and high-tech industry, and will also present the foundation’s upcoming goals and activities.
The conference is open to all soldiers discharged in 2023, and invitations have been sent to eligible participants.
See you there!
Dear Oketz Unit Alumni,
We’re excited to announce the launch of the Mentoring Program by the “Leading the Pack” Foundation, the official alumni association of the unit.
This program is designed to support alumni seeking guidance and direction from experienced mentors on various personal and professional challenges. Whether you’re at a career or personal crossroads, this program is here to help you move forward with clarity and confidence.
Each participant will be paired with a mentor — typically a more senior unit graduate — who has relevant experience in a field or topic that aligns with the mentee’s goals and needs.
Program Details:
Who is this program for?
Alumni navigating career or personal development transitions, such as:
Who is this program not for?
This is not a therapeutic, short-term, or task-based program. It does not include:
Want to join as a mentor or participant?
Please fill out this form:
👉 https://forms.gle/shPjbQArcUT6HsKa8
Feel free to share this with other unit alumni!
Questions? Contact the program leads
Amit Granach: 054-5242673
Sapir Bar Ilan: 054-5433655
Etai Raz: 054-6444482
On May 30th, a special appreciation evening was held for the unit’s reservist corps. The reservist force is one of the pillars on which the Oketz Unit stands, made up of exceptional individuals who regularly set aside their personal lives, leave their families for extended periods, and report to the unit to contribute and give of themselves for the security of the State of Israel.
The evening included performances by Raviv Kaner and Eli Finish, certificates of excellence were awarded to outstanding members from various divisions, and the foundation’s activities and goals were presented to the entire reservist community.
The foundation will continue to support the unit’s reservists and salutes each and every one of them. Kol hakavod and thank you all!
Today, the unit held a special rank ceremony for two of its most veteran and esteemed commanders.
On behalf of the foundation and its alumni, we extend our heartfelt congratulations and deep appreciation:
🔹 The rank of Chief Warrant Officer (Rav-Nagad) was awarded to A.
CWO A. began his path in the unit in 1995 as a combat handler, later serving as a team commander, and has since held numerous professional roles—attack instructor, R&D commander, rescue and extraction instructor, instructor course commander, and today serves as the head of the unit’s canine division.
He is the first ever to be awarded the rank of CWO having grown within the unit’s ranks as a combat soldier.
🔹 The rank of Lt. Col. (Res.) was awarded to Lt. Col. R.
Lt. Col. R. began his service in the unit in 2003 as a combat handler and held several commanding positions: team commander, training platoon leader, combat platoon leader, and head of the unit’s training school. He completed his regular service in 2018.
Since his release, he has continued to serve as the commander of the female fighters’ selection process in the reserves.
We take this opportunity to thank them and their families on behalf of all unit alumni for their service, sacrifice, and immense contribution to the State of Israel, the IDF, and especially to the unit and its people.
Wishing them continued success in their roles and future endeavors.
Dear Oketz Family,
As with every year, we now approach one of the holiest days on the Israeli calendar.
A day that rises above arguments and divisions — a day that unites all parts of the nation under one sacred purpose: to remember the heavy price we have paid to live in the State of Israel.
As in every year, tonight a siren will sound, songs on the radio will suddenly change, white shirts and tears will fill the cemeteries across the country, and an entire nation will embrace the bereaved families who have lost their dearest ones.
Representatives of the “Leading the Pack” Foundation will accompany bereaved families this year during memorial ceremonies at cemeteries in honor of the unit’s fallen. The foundation will continue to support the families of Oketz Unit’s fallen soldiers throughout the year. Today, we bow our heads in remembrance of them, and of all Israel’s fallen who gave their lives for the homeland.
“For such friendship will never let our hearts forget.”
(“HaRe’ut” – lyrics by Chaim Gouri)
Sgt. Eran Lipski z”l
Sgt. Maurice Avraham z”l
Pvt. Yoav Zarmon z”l
Sgt. Harlan Prans z”l
Sgt. Micha Gotlib z”l
Sgt. Nadav Kudinsky z”l
Sgt. Kiril Golenshin z”l
Staff Sgt. Dror Raudor Koren z”l
Master Sgt. Michael Michaelovich z”l
Maj. Bar Falah z”l
On behalf of the “Leading the Pack” Foundation and the Oketz family, we wish Sgt. Y., a fighter in the EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) unit, a full and speedy recovery, along with good news ahead.
Sgt. Y. was seriously injured this morning in a terror attack just outside the Tzrifin training base (Bahad 10), after a terrorist approached him from behind and stabbed him in the upper body.
Having just completed his role as a squad commander in basic training and recently joined the operational platoon, Sgt. Y. sustained a serious neck injury and completely lost feeling in his right arm, yet continued to fight the terrorist for nearly a full minute.
Thanks to his bravery, he prevented the terrorist from seizing his weapon and harming others. Unit commanders, comrades, and representatives from the foundation are supporting the fighter and his family. He is currently conscious and no longer in life-threatening condition.
Here is the official IDF spokesperson’s link for more information:
Dear Oketz Family,
On the 18th of Elul 5782, Major Bar Falah z”l was killed while leading a force and charging at terrorists attempting to infiltrate through the separation barrier. His courageous actions prevented an incursion and protected the residents of nearby communities.
Bar, a fighter and senior commander in the unit, had advanced to the role of deputy battalion commander in the Nahal reconnaissance unit as part of his military progression and continued advancement.
We want to share that yesterday evening, in an emotional ceremony held at the unit and attended by Bar Falah’s family and friends, his name was revealed on the unit’s memorial wall, and his photograph is now displayed in the unit’s conference room. Following the ceremony, a special evening of songs and stories was held in his memory.
A passage from the speech given by the unit’s commander, Lt. Col. A.:
“Bar,
You paved the way, and we will continue walking it.
You touched so many lives through your relentless action and your inexplicable drive to give and volunteer.
Your enormous heart guided you throughout your journey and is the compass for our work.
Your spirit fills every part of the unit and pushes us forward and upward.
These are not words of farewell, because we are not parting.
You are an eternal part of the unit’s legacy, its spirit, and its path – you will live in it forever.”
This morning, the unit also participated in the memorial race: “Remembering the Heroes – Running in Their Memory”, in honor of Bar Falah and Omer Tabib – a soldier from Battalion 931 who fell during Operation Guardian of the Walls.
The race took place at Nahal Alexander and was organized by the “Tom” pre-military academy.
The unit, along with us at the foundation, will continue to stand by, support, and embrace his family and all bereaved families with unwavering commitment, dedication, and deep love.
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