Mandatory conscription, which encompasses 83% of this age group according to 2023 data, immerses them in an environment where survival is not an abstract concept but a daily necessity.

Serving in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), these young people confront existential threats, from terrorist attacks by groups like Hamas to hostility from regional neighbors. Israel’s defense budget, which accounts for approximately 5% of its GDP, underscores the magnitude of the challenges faced by this small country.

For an Israeli youth, military service is not just a duty but an act of courage and commitment to preserving a civilization that, despite its imperfections, represents a bastion of democracy and progress in the Middle East.

On the other hand, in American universities, many Generation Z youths seem trapped in a bubble of privilege. Recent surveys, such as one by Gallup in 2024, indicate that 78% of them consider society to be inherently unjust, fueling a victimhood mentality that often manifests in loud protests and demands for systemic change.

A lack of historical perspective and an obsession with ideological purity often lead them to ignore complex realities, such as Israel’s struggle against terrorism. Instead of facing concrete threats, many dedicate their energy to microaggressions or demonizing Israel without understanding the context of its fight for survival.

This gap is not just a matter of circumstances but of values. Israeli youths, forged in an environment of adversity, learn to value resilience, community, and sacrifice. Every rocket launched from Gaza, every thwarted attack, reminds them that freedom comes at a cost.

In contrast, many Western students, raised in safe and prosperous societies, lack a tangible sense of what it means to fight for something greater than themselves. Comfort has allowed them to focus on internal struggles, often amplified by academic environments that foster performative outrage rather than constructive dialogue.

The general trend is clear: while Israeli youths face life and death, many of their Western peers seem disconnected from what a true struggle entails. The contrast between these two groups should be a wake-up call. Israel, despite its challenges, remains a beacon of resilience and determination. Its youths not only defend their country but also protect universal values like freedom and security in the face of extremist threats.

Instead of criticizing Israel from the comfort of university campuses, Western youths could learn from its example: the importance of acting with courage, facing adversity with determination, and valuing what is truly at stake in a world where civilization is not guaranteed.

Ultimately, Israeli youth remind us that freedom is not free and that survival demands sacrifice. While they fight for a secure future, it is time for Western youths to reflect on their priorities and recognize that true change begins with humility, empathy, and a deeper understanding of the struggles others face. Israel not only deserves our support but also our admiration for showing what it means to defend civilization against all odds.