Ruach Eitan - In spirit, I am strong

"In every generation, heroes rose to pave the way for us… When the time comes and we are called, we will answer. It’s in our DNA." — Captain Eitan Oster, in a talk with his soldiers on the eve of the war. When Eitan headed into battle, we were terrified of losing him. We knew he was the kind of warrior and commander who charges first, without hesitation. Yet, there was also this feeling that it simply couldn't happen to him—that he was destined for greatness, meant to play a pivotal role in shaping our country in the post-war era. On the eve of Rosh Hashanah (29th of Elul), Captain Eitan Oster fell in battle in southern Lebanon while leading his soldiers from the front. He left behind a heartbroken, loving family, friends, and subordinates who are grieving and miss him dearly - but who are, above all, deeply resolute. After Eitan was killed, we realized a profound responsibility had been placed on our shoulders: to ensure that the spirit that guided him does not stop here. Eitan understood that to truly win, holding a weapon isn't enough - you have to know why you are holding it. As a commander, he constantly connected his soldiers to the heroes of 1948, reminding them that they are part of a grand historical story that didn't start today and won't end tomorrow. Driven by this deep conviction and the desire to carry forward his legacy, we founded the "Ruach Eitan" (Eitan's Spirit) organization to reach high school youth right at the moment they need a moral compass the most. Today, over 80% of high school graduates enlist directly into the IDF without an intensive values-based or mental preparation framework. In the complex reality of ongoing war and uncertainty, our young people need a strong internal anchor more than ever. We want them to ask themselves not just "Where am I enlisting?" but, more importantly, "Why?" The core program of Ruach Eitan was created to bridge this exact gap - bringing the depth, spirit, and purpose of a pre-military academy (Mechina) directly into high schools. Throughout their senior year, we guide students on an identity-shaping journey connecting 1948 to Operation Swords of Iron through personal reflection tools. The moment a young person realizes they aren't just studying history, but actively writing it themselves right now, Zionism stops being an abstract concept and becomes their personal story. When the country and its story become their home, they transform from passive spectators into active leaders taking full ownership of society's future. The program includes two immersive three-day seminars alongside ongoing interactive workshops in school, turning 12th grade into a year of values-driven preparation for meaningful service. This is where you come in. Thanks to your past support, we reached 400 pre-draft youth this year! The feedback has been incredible, and demand is far exceeding our capacity. This year, our goal is to double the number of students we empower. Your partnership will allow us to open doors for hundreds more youth, grant them the "Ruach Eitan" experience, help them discover their "why," and guide them toward becoming leading, meaningful contributors to Israeli society. We invite you to join us on Eitan's path - in the spirit of Eitan. Together, we will carry on what he started. Have questions or want to explore other ways to help? Meitar Oster, CEO of Ruach Eitan | Phone: +972-55-666-4106 *Tax-deductible contributions are processed through the Egoz Association and transferred directly to us.