Ben, 35, is a reservist in the Israeli army. He has been in use since October 7, 203. And has to live in two worlds: at home with his family – and as a soldier in Gaza. How does he cope with this?
After their compulsory military service, which men in Israel complete for three years and women for two years, particularly suitable soldiers are also deployed as reservists. They have civilian jobs – but also train regularly with their units to be ready when the army needs them. Since the Hamas attack on October 7, 360,000 reservists have been called up in addition to active soldiers. Ben is one of them. He is currently on vacation for a week and a half, which he is spending with his wife and two-year-old daughter in Tel Aviv. Here he explains what the double life and the constant balancing act mean for him and the family: