Amy Schinagel is a dedicated member of the Israel Engagement Committee and a strong supporter of Israel & Overseas Center initiatives, including the Shlichut and Shinshinim programs. Last month, she spoke at the “Café Otef” event, held in commemoration of two years since October 7. Here are her words from that meaningful event.
Shalom. My name is Amy. I was born in Venezuela. I’m the proud mom of two new Israeli citizens.
I’ll start with the end of this story. Today, our son Ilan had his tekes hashba’ah — the swearing-in ceremony where new soldiers pledge allegiance to Israel and to the IDF. His Mashakit Tash —officer in charge of soldiers’ welfare — asked us to write him a letter for this special day. So here are a few parts from it:
Ilan, our lone soldier, you were in Israel for a gap year on October 7th. Two years have passed since that black Saturday.
That day, as we watched the endless stream of terrible images, we could never have imagined how much our lives would change — or that you and Danit would become children of October 7th. For the People of Israel, that day is engraved in our hearts, minds, bones, even our skin — the tattoo of our generation.
For some it was an awakening, a confirmation a call to solidarity.
But for a very special few — those around whom history will be written — it meant changing your life completely.
You chose a difficult path — but the right one.
Leaving behind a life already mapped out in Colorado to serve in the IDF.
And you warned us: you wanted your service to be meaningful.
They call your peers the TikTok generation… the “me” generation.
How wrong was I.
We’ve seen you guided by values, by purpose, by courage.
Today, you take your oath as a Nahal soldier at the Kotel — holding your weapon and the Tanach. What could be more powerful than that? It’s a reminder to the world: we are indestructible.
You are a chalutz of the 21st century, proving through action what our anthem declares:
להיות עם חפשי בארצנו — to be a free people in our land
In our family, there haven’t been two generations born in the same country for over a century.
May the generations you and Danit bring into the world be the first to break that pattern.
In these past two years, you’ve earned titles no university could ever grant.
You became a man — calling to ask how we were doing while you stayed in Israel in wartime.
You became the master of your destiny — trading comfort for conviction.
You became an Oleh Chadash, finding your people.
And now, a Chayal Boded Locham — a lone combat soldier — filling us with pride and fear in equal measure.
The only thing we can offer is our unconditional support and love. Ask for our help. Nothing is too small that it shouldn’t be solved; nothing is too big that it can’t be solved. And don’t forget those around you who may also need help—don’t wait for them to ask, offer it. Pay it forward!
We bless you with health and safety. May God protect you. Go in health, and return in health.
And today more than ever — Am Israel Chai.