Gad's and Elior's draft day was full of excitement, as the two cousins who made Aliyah from France enlisted in the IDF's Hasmonean Brigade. For them, moving to Israel and joining the ranks of the Israeli military are more than just personal decisions; they are an expression of a deep sense of mission and commitment to the people of Israel.

Moments before bidding farewell to their families and donning the olive green uniform, the two spoke with Arutz Sheva-Israel National News about their emotions. "This is a very exciting moment," Elior says. "I am enlisting today, and my parents are returning to France. We are parting, but I know why I came."

Regarding the decision to leave their comfortable lives in France and join the IDF, they put it simply: "It's better to serve and defend our nation and our land. It's a mitzvah, it's an obligation. The fact that we were born in France does not matter. Every Jew must feel committed to his nation."

Karine, Elior's mother, could not hide her excitement as she accompanied her son to the induction center. "It is very moving to bring my son to the army and to know that with G-d's help he will be a fighter and defend our country," she says. "I am very proud of him. He has come a long way and put in a lot of effort to reach this moment."

According to Karine, love for Israel and connection with the country were integral to her children's education at home. "We always told them that we don't have another country. This is our place; here we have to be, to live and grow. When you plant this love in the hearts of your children, it only grows."

In conclusion, the mother asked to send a message of encouragement and blessing to her son and all IDF soldiers. "I pray that the Holy One, blessed be He, will protect them, grant them success in their path, and protect all our soldiers and the State of Israel."