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In the midst of ongoing conflicts and complex geopolitical landscapes, two young men from different backgrounds have found common ground in their shared commitment to protect their chosen homeland.
Anton Friedman, 19, and Alexei Khumin, 20, are both enlisting in the Israel Defense Forces’ (IDF) 50th Battalion of the Nahal Brigade, forging a deep friendship amidst the turmoil of their pasts and the challenges of their present.
A Journey from Ukraine and Russia to Israel
Anton Friedman, originally from Ukraine, and Alexei Khumin, from Russia, might never have crossed paths under normal circumstances.
However, their mutual decision to make Aliyah, the Jewish immigration to Israel, and their shared experiences in Israeli society have brought them together in a unique way.
Anton immigrated to Israel alone in 2019, driven by a mix of Zionism and the escalating conflict in his homeland.
His choice to move during his high school years was influenced by the ongoing war in Ukraine and a desire to build a future in a country that resonates deeply with his Jewish heritage.
Alexei, on the other hand, moved to Israel at the age of 15 with his mother and sister. His decision to leave Russia was shaped by a combination of personal and political factors, including a challenging environment marked by increasing hostility towards Jews.
Bonding Over Shared Interests
Despite their differing nationalities and backgrounds, Anton and Alexei quickly became best friends after meeting in high school. Their bond was cemented by their shared passions for music and their deep connection to Israel.
“We play together, we sing together,” Alexei shared with The Jerusalem Post, highlighting the ease with which they connected over their mutual interests. Their friendship blossomed through their common love for Israeli culture and their commitment to their new home.
Choosing to Serve in the IDF
Both Anton and Alexei have chosen to serve in a combat unit of the IDF, a decision influenced by their experiences and motivations. For Alexei, the choice to join a combat role came after a transformative year of voluntary service with the Tarbut movement.
Initially apprehensive about military service, Alexei’s year-long exposure to Israeli culture and his growing sense of duty led him to embrace the idea of serving in a combat capacity.
Anton, too, was initially hesitant about joining the military, given the ongoing conflict in his home country. However, his time with the Tarbut movement introduced him to the Nahal Brigade and its reserve commander, Dima.
Inspired by Dima’s experiences, Anton felt compelled to enlist in the same unit, driven by a desire to protect Israel and contribute to its security.
Challenges Faced by Their Families
The decision to enlist in combat roles was not without its challenges, particularly for their families. Both Anton and Alexei had to navigate the complexities of having left conflict zones and the additional concerns of their families about their safety.
Anton, as an only child, faced additional hurdles. Israeli law requires parental consent for only children to serve in combat roles.
Convincing his parents to support his decision was a process, but they eventually came to understand the significance of his choice to serve in a combat unit.
Experiences of Antisemitism
The two men have had very different experiences with antisemitism. Anton reported a relatively comfortable experience with his Jewish identity in Ukraine, noting that he did not encounter significant antisemitism, likely due to his residence in a smaller community.
In contrast, Alexei’s experiences in Russia were marked by heightened awareness of antisemitism.
The atmosphere in Russia, exacerbated by the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict and tensions surrounding the Israel-Hamas conflict, contributed to a challenging environment for Jews.
The Anti-Defamation League’s 2023 Global 100 antisemitism index revealed that antisemitism was slightly more prevalent in Ukraine compared to Russia, with 29% of Ukrainians upholding antisemitic tropes versus 26% of Russians.
Shared Commitment to Protecting Israel
Despite their disparate backgrounds and the conflicts they left behind, both Anton and Alexei are united in their dedication to protecting their adopted country.
Their decision to enlist in the IDF’s 50th Battalion of the Nahal Brigade reflects their strong sense of duty and their commitment to Israel.
Their story exemplifies how personal journeys, shaped by conflict and migration, can lead to profound connections and shared goals.
As they prepare to don their IDF uniforms and serve together, Anton and Alexei embody the spirit of unity and dedication that characterizes many immigrants’ experiences in Israel.
The new cohort of soldiers, including Anton and Alexei, will soon take up the mantle of defending Israel, continuing the legacy of those who have served before them.
Their friendship and shared commitment highlight the resilience and determination that define their journey and their contributions to their chosen homeland.