Meet the Women of the IDF

Vee grew up in Australia, though her parents met in Israel. Very close to her father who is of Moroccan descent, she lives with her Moroccan family when she’s off from the army. Maybe that’s where she gets her hot-blooded nature! Vee adores animals and plans to become a veterinarian. In fact she’d been accepted to veterinary school in Australia when she made plans to join the Israeli army behind her parents’ backs. True to form, she was able to convince them to allow it. One way or the other, Vee always gets what she wants. Vee’s journey is understanding you catch more flies with honey than vinegar.

Leah was born in Ethiopia, when her mother was only 16, and came to Israel as a toddler. Coming from a religious background of humble means, she has seven little brothers and sisters and is like a second mom to them. In fact, she was expected to marry young, have kids and be a good housewife. But, as a proud black feminist, she’s not going to settle. Leah idolizes Beyoncé and Oprah. She wants to be Prime Minister one day. And she’ll do it, too! On the other hand, she loves jewelry, hairstyles, and having fun. Leah’s journey is pushing boundaries to advance herself and society.

Shahar grew up in a military family. Her mother recently retired after 30 years and her father is still in the military, as is her brother. She always knew she was going to be a combat soldier; not because it was expected of her but because it was something she wanted. On the other hand, at home she is spoiled by her family and always gets her way. A model and a dancer, Shahar often gets pigeon-holed as a “dumb blonde,” which annoys her. So, she doesn’t hold back from proving the haters wrong. Shahar’s journey is fighting for what she believes in, for her country, and for herself.

Lior comes from a very successful, very close-knit family. She spent her high school years in the Bay Area, where she started as a shy, nerdy girl who didn’t speak the language and became a straight-A student and captain of the cheerleading squad. A perfectionist, Lior demands the best from herself and maybe too much from others. Her parents are still in the U.S. while she is serving in the army and their absence is very difficult for her. She’s still that shy girl inside. She is empathetic, feeling for everybody, sometimes to a fault. Lior’s journey is learning to stand on her own and stand up for herself.

Ella always has FOMO, wanting to be part of everything. Growing up in a farm community, she was always hanging out with friends, part of the crowd, yet feeling somehow left out. Even though she trains groups of male combat soldiers, feels herself to be “one of the guys,” and is well thought of by her own commanders, she teeters on self-doubt. Ella’s journey is overcoming her inner-uncertainty and embracing self-acceptance.