"Achim" Academy - הקמת מכינת "אחים" בעוטף עזה לזכרם של רס"ן חן בוכריס ורס"ן אריאל בן משה

Major Chen Buchris served as the deputy commander of the Maglan Unit. On October 7th, he led the first and only force that rushed to fight at Kibbutz Nachal Oz, saving many lives. Simultaneously, at Kibbutz Re’im, Major Ariel Ben Moshe, a company commander in Sayeret Matkal, jumped into battle. He fell during the fight over the last house. From the moment our brothers, Ariel and Chen, fell, it was clear to us that the most meaningful way to commemorate them was by establishing a preparatory academy that embodies their greatest love: people and leadership. Chen and Ariel had the privilege of commanding numerous units, both together and individually, throughout their service, leaving a profound and extraordinary impact on hundreds of soldiers and commanders. Their friendship and bond were a cornerstone of our strength and resilience as families in overcoming the pain of their loss. The connection between them and the deep covenant they sealed with their blood compel us to act with excellence, humility, and, above all, faith in establishing this life-changing project. We are in a months-long process of securing the necessary resources—both financial and human—to bring this vision to life. The initiative we have developed as siblings is unique: a combination of leading youth from across the country, especially those who have been affected by the war, alongside youth exempted from military service. The program will prepare them for meaningful and relevant service, aimed at leadership roles in combat units. A method has been created that integrates field training and specialized workshops with active volunteering and partnerships, in a unique format, hand-in-hand with the Tzohar community in the Gaza border area. The goal of the community partnership is, first and foremost, to take an active role in rebuilding the Gaza border region and the area after the disaster that struck in October 2023. At the same time, it seeks to instill practical values and habits among the academy's trainees and instructors. Hands-on work, without slogans—just action, here and now. This is Ariel and Chen’s way. We have no interest in walls bearing their names or streets named after them. Their way was one of hard work, excellence in every task, and then immediately seeking the next challenge with humility and faith that anything is possible. This is how we continue to live their legacy. To fulfill this mission, we must reach our fundraising goal of at least one million shekels to meet the Ministry of Defense’s funding criteria. Please, help us create a true home for change and strengthen the Gaza border region. Every donor will be invited to the trainees' graduation ceremony to witness the results firsthand and deeply understand the significance of this project in fortifying the border region and building a brave and proper generation of soldiers for the army!