A story of persistence: How a Catholic Filipino became an IDF soldier
“I saw how everyone serves in the military, and I also wanted to contribute,” said Corp. Refael.
By IDF BLOGorporal Aaron Refael is a Catholic who drafted into the IDF(photo credit: IDF)
Like every Israeli at the age of eighteen, Corporal Aaron Refael drafted into the IDF. However, Aaron is no ordinary Israeli. Today, he serves in the IDF’s Nahal Infantry Brigade, but the process to get there was not simple.Aaron comes from a Catholic family, originally from the Philippines, and his father works as a driver in the Japanese Embassy to Israel. He was born and raised in Herzliya and has always considered Israel his home. Aaron grew up learning about the importance of the IDF, and knew from a very young age that he wanted to take part in defending the country. “I saw how everyone serves in the military, and I also wanted to contribute,” said Corp. Refael.Due to Aaron’s unique situation, he encountered a number of bureaucratic hurdles on the way to reaching his goal. When he was in third grade, Aaron applied for Israeli citizenship but encountered numerous difficulties along the way. Despite these challenges, Aaron exhibited persistence and determination and received citizenship in 2013.After obtaining Israeli citizenship, Aaron was not going to allow anything else to prevent him from becoming a combat soldier. When it came time for his Tzav Rishon (initial army interview), he discovered that he had a low medical profile that would not enable him to be a fighter. Aaron continued to fight for his dream and his determination paid off. He was eventually granted permission to become a combat soldier.Eight months ago, Corp. Aaron Refael joined the Nahal Brigade and his dream finally became a reality. He has just completed advanced training and is now prepared to defend Israel’s borders.Corporal Refael is the only combat soldier from his group of friends and is proud at how far he has come. He has had no problems integrating in the IDF as a member of a minority group and sees the IDF as an army that understands and caters to the needs of all different walks of life. “Specifically in the army, we see the equal and fair treatment of minorities who come from a variety of different backgrounds,” said Corp. Rafael.Service in the IDF has proven to Corporal Refael how essential the army is for the State of Israel to exist and to thrive. He has learned the importance of maturity and responsibility that is necessary both as a soldier and as a human being.
