'I Want To Go Back'
Back in the Fight: Hostage Survivor Matan Angrest Asks to Return to Active-Duty IDF Service
A powerful moment of national resolve was captured when former captive Matan Angrest, just released from Gaza, insisted on returning to the front lines instead of taking time to recover.
After two harrowing years spent in Hamas captivity, former hostage Matan Angrest has demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to service, immediately requesting to be reinstated as an active-duty soldier in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).
Angrest, who was released earlier this week as part of a deal with the terror group, made his plea directly to IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir during a meeting held at Ichilov Hospital. The Chief of Staff was visiting soldiers who had been returned to Israel, including Angrest and Nimrod Cohen, both of whom were kidnapped during the October 7th attacks.
The remarkable exchange, reported by Yedioth Ahronoth, captured the young man’s unwavering resolve. During the visit, Angrest conveyed his desire to resume his military career to the Chief of Staff.
"Zamir looked him up and down with a smile," the report detailed. "‘If that’s the case,’ he said, ‘you’re going back to training.’"
Angrest’s response was immediate and focused: "No," he replied. "I want to return to operational activity."
The deeply moving moment concluded with the Chief of Staff presenting Angrest with his Armored Corps beret and embracing him, a gesture symbolizing the enduring bond and respect within the military.
Chief of Staff Zamir, while clearly moved by the young soldier’s determination, urged caution and offered a moment of reflection and necessary recuperation. "I’m so happy to see you here, this is unbelievable," Zamir said. "Don’t rush, you need to process what you’ve been through."
The military leader also reaffirmed the IDF's commitment to the mission of recovering all those taken captive. "Throughout this journey, you’ve been on my mind, and your safety was a central consideration," he promised. "We won’t rest until we bring all the deceased hostages back to Israel."
Angrest's powerful request shows the deep-seated dedication and resilience of the soldiers who endured captivity. His immediate desire to return to the front lines, rejecting a gradual return through training, has become a potent symbol of the national spirit and resolve following the ordeal. The IDF will ultimately need to balance the soldier’s fierce patriotism with the need for complete physical and psychological recovery after such a prolonged and traumatic period in captivity.