World Mizrachi Executive Rabbi Doron Perez Speaks to Students About His Son Taken Hostage

Sophomores received a powerful visit from Rabbi Doron Perez, executive chairman of World Mizrachi, the global Religious Zionist movement. In addition to speaking about his organization, he spoke about the heroism and tragedy of his sons on October 7. Both sons were IDF soldiers who rushed to defend the Nahal Oz military base, which was hardest hit during the attack. Rabbi Perez recounted how blindsided Israel was by the attack, and how shockingly easy it was for the terrorists to infiltrate the base. He said that, in retrospect, the soldiers had no fighting chance, mostly unarmed and intensely outnumbered. One of his sons was shot in the leg and moderately wounded. His other son, Daniel, was in a tank fighting alongside three other boys: Itay Chen, Omer Neutra, and Matan Angrest. Rabbi Perez has listened to the audio recording of his son's two hours fighting, of the difficult and heroic decisions he made—putting himself in danger with the knowledge that the terrorists would certainly overpower them. Ultimately, the terrorists surrounded the tank, and all four of the boys were taken hostage. After 163 days of waiting and prayer, his family learned through video evidence that Daniel was dead: he, Itay, and Omer were murdered on October 7. Matan is believed to be alive. All four are still held hostage in Gaza.

Rabbi Perez told the students about the words he found in his son's journal after his death. David had been reflecting on his reasons for serving in the IDF and what he felt his purpose was, and wrote that he felt driven by the quote, “If not me, then who?” Rabbi Perez gave students magnets that depict Daniel’s face and this powerful quote, helping everyone feel inspired to incorporate this idea into their own lives.

To conclude his visit, he told seniors about the World Zionist Congress elections and urged them to vote, teaching them about its importance and influence. To vote in the World Zionist Congress election, please click here.