Today, I would like to tell you about a unique person, who is known also by many Ukrainians.

Tzvi Arieli is an Israeli soldier who has created the self-defense units of Kyiv, Mariupol, and now he is volunteering in one of the elite units of the National Guard of Ukraine.

In due course time, Tzvi Arieli has served in the infantry brigade "Golani" of IDF and in Special Forces of military intelligence, later he was a contract serviceman in the antiterrorist unit Mivtsar. Now, under the direction of Zvi, the Jewish self-defense units are working in Kyiv, protecting, above all, Jewish cultural objects, as well as responding to all possible threats to people.

Since the beginning of active armed hostilities in the east of Ukraine, the reforming of the army units, the creation of new paramilitary structures, an urgent need for experienced soldiers who are able to share the military experience has emerged. Tzvi Arieli is one of them. Now he is training the Ukrainian elite troops, sharing his experience and helping to create a modern efficient army. According to his words, it is necessary to change a lot. As an experienced soldier, he immediately sees all the shortcomings and problems of the Ukrainian army: "it is necessary to change the mentality, to restore the personality of a soldier." Zvi considers the lack of effective leaders as one of the main problems of the modern Ukrainian army, "the commander, who is sitting in his office, never will be able to understand the soldier's needs."

Zvi’s work is also aimed at raising the image of Ukrainian soldier. It is prestigious to be a military in the Israeli society, recruits undergo a rigorous selection and competition for places in the elite units is rather high: 10-15 people for one place. But the effect of such a highly professional army is evident. In addition, the service in elite units automatically gives the preferential treatment when applying for work, study, social security, etc.

Along with Zvi, several volunteer instructors are working from other armies of the world. "In war, all means are good", it is a way of developing the Ukrainian army. Well, the experience of the Israeli Special Forces’ soldiers remains unique, being even in a non-traditional form. I sincerely wish Zvi a great success in his work for the education of a new generation of Ukrainian soldiers!