From a Broken Home to the Kfir Brigade: The Inspiring Story of Sergeant T.

A 19-year-old soldier from Rishon LeTsiyon, identified as Sergeant T., fought for a long time to serve in the Kfir Brigade. His difficult family background made combat service nearly impossible, but with determination and outside help, he succeeded.

T. was born to alcoholic parents. His older sisters suffered significantly, and some were placed in foster care. When T. was very young, his eldest sister, then just 20 years old, fought to take him out of the house and raise him herself. She became his legal guardian and vowed he would have a good life.

Three years later, his sister married and continued to care for T. as a mother, attending parent-teacher conferences and supporting him constantly. Growing up with an older sister as a guardian offered a unique dynamic, providing close communication alongside firm boundaries. T. had virtually no contact with his biological parents over the years.

A year before his draft, T. discovered he could not enlist in a combat unit because he was considered an only child and legally adopted by his sister. After a year of legal battles and the assistance of a lawyer, the restrictions were lifted, allowing him to enlist in a combat role.

T. emphasized his strong desire to serve in combat, driven by personal growth, the need to contribute to the war effort following October 7, and his energetic nature. Reflecting on his parents' struggles with alcoholism, T. expressed confidence that his awareness of the risks would prevent him from repeating their path, vowing to be a dedicated father in the future. His father passed away shortly before T.'s enlistment following a stroke, during which they exchanged parting words of reconciliation. T. credits his sister with saving his life and dedicating her youth to raising him.