With all but one of the hostages now returned (Hamas are yet to return the body of Ran Gvili), Levi’s unit is winding down. It is a bittersweet moment for her.
“Ending my reserve role after more than two years is not easy at all,” she says. “Taking off the uniform and returning to my previous life is not simple. I am connected with all my heart to the families of the hostages and to the returnees. I was there for them, 24/7, in every matter."
Civilian life for Levi involves giving back too. In 2015, she founded Po-Reshet – a nationwide network which provides peer support for women transitioning from service to civilian life. A decade on, more than 2,000 female IDF retirees are involved in the initiative, which offers everything from career support to volunteering opportunities – many of which are provided in collaboration with American-Jewish charity Momentum.
Tzahit Levi at the inaugural Momentum Impact Awards honoring women whose leadership has strengthened Jewish life (Picture: Aviram Waldman)[Missing Credit]
“I’ve been partnering with Momentum for about a decade, and feel very connected to their work because its values mirror those of Po-Reshet,” says Levi, who was honoured at the inaugural Momentum Impact Awards last year.
“Both organisations champion mission, love of the land, giving, camaraderie and mutual responsibility. Both see the woman [slash] mother as a central figure with immense influence over her home, family, community and country. Both believe in the power of women together to make real change – and that resonates with me deeply. I believe in women joining forces to do good for the Jewish people in Israel and the diaspora.”
Levi is also a strong believer that all Jews – no matter where they live – can play an important role in supporting each other, and the Jewish state.
“I believe the relationship between us in Israel and diaspora Jewry is vital for both sides. We must tend to it and preserve it,” she says. “This war proved how important that bond is and how meaningful the Jewish voice and influence in the diaspora can be. Throughout the period of captivity, Jewish communities worldwide embraced the families, hosted them, and held countless activities to raise global awareness for the return of the hostages. I think all of this had a major impact in keeping the issue on the world’s agenda.”
As for how British Jews can best help to support Israelis now, as they rebuild their lives after more than two years of war, Levi advises: "Continue to stand actively with Israel in advocacy on social media and beyond. And show solidarity with those who have paid a heavy price: bereaved families, the wounded and disabled, and of course the families of the hostages and the returnees.”
