31-year-old British-born, Jewish immigrant to Israel, James Hirshfield, enjoyed a prosperous career as a model. He did a photo shoot for Hugo Boss, strutted down some of the most notable fashion runways around the world, and his pictures appeared in magazines and on billboards. A few months ago, Hirshfield decided to bid goodbye to the life of glamour, immigrated to Israel and this week, enlisted into the IDF. He enrolled in a Hebrew course, at the end of which he hopes to join one of the special IDF units.
“To all of my friends, family and soon to be new friends and mefakdim/dot (commanders). The last two days have been truly unreal. A whole new experience that words are hard to describe,” wrote Hirshfield in his Facebook post.
“Starting in Michve Alon, everyone is truly amazing, all of us being in the same place, away from our family and friends, you are all courageous guys and girls. To all the mefakdim/dot (commanders), even though have to hide your smiles, you’re all brilliant, thoughtful and welcomed us with opens arms,” he added. “I’m excited for a new, full week with you all and want to wish you all Shabbat shalom. Enjoy, relax, and next week will be fantastic too.”
In an interview with Yedioth Ahronoth, Hirshfield described the reasons that led him to join the army: “It was fun to travel the world and represent a company like Hugo Boss, but then I decided to halt my career and go to Israel and join the army. Everyone is asking whether I would like to model in Israel as well, and I tell them that it is much more important for me to enlist. ”
James’ grandfather is a Holocaust survivor who escaped at the age of nine from Poland. James’ interest in Israel began with Operation Protective Edge. “I was working as a model in the US at the time, and there were constant reports against Israel. So I asked myself, how can I walk on red carpets while my people are at war? I felt that I had to immigrate and enlist. ”
His family found it difficult to understand the decision to leave everything and immigrate to Israel. “They told me I was on a good track and it was a shame to destroy it.” According to him, the moment he landed in Israel he felt at home. “Everyone opened their arms and hugged me, they always make me feel like I belong. This is a dream come true. I would like to start a family here and be the best soldier I can be.”
Get OS News Live Updates by email and never miss our top breaking stories 
(Translated from Yediot Acharonot by N. Elias)