Indian origin soldier awarded Prez Medal in Israel

A 22-year-old Indian-origin soldier with Israeli army has been awarded the President’s Medal of Excellence for his outstanding service. Adiel Yosef, who immigrated to Israel from Mumbai four years ago, got the award for serving in the Israel Defence Forces (IDF).

“I always felt that strong connection to Israel and wanted to serve in the IDF. My parents didn’t want to move to Israel but on my insistence they first agreed to let me immigrate but finally joined me when the time came,” Adiel said.

“I was 153 Kgs when i came to Israel. I had always wanted to serve only in the combat unit but my physique didn’t allow me for that,” he said, who flashes a permanent smile on his face and has earned the nickname “Achi Chamud” (the cute brother) from his friends. “The army, after several months of Hebrew learning course (ulpan), sent me to guard a checkpoint. I was disappointed but didn’t give up. I worked hard to lose more than 40 Kgs and reached out to IDF again to consider me for a combat unit.”