Ofer Winter visited the Bnei David pre-military academy in Eli during a tour of Judea and Samaria with members of his Amcha Yisrael party list, meeting with the yeshiva's rabbis and hundreds of students.
Winter, a graduate of the academy's second cohort, shared his experiences from his time at the institution and emphasized how important maintaining his connection to the academy has been throughout his life. He spoke to the students about the importance of meaningful military service.
During his conversation with the yeshiva students, Winter made clear that anyone considering closing the Eli academy — which has sacrificed for the Jewish people — is making a huge mistake. "Whoever thinks of raising a finger against the Eli academy will find me standing against them with all my strength," Winter told the students.
As he does each year, WInter will again spend Yom Kippur in Eli,
He concluded his visit with a meeting with the academy's leadership: Rabbi Yigal Levinstein, Rabbi Eli Sadan, and additional rabbis and educators. During the meeting, Rabbi Eli Sadan addressed Winter's entry into politics and his role as Defense Minister: "I don't deal with politics, but I hear all kinds of vile things about you in the media."
"I've known you for many, many years and I know you haven't changed, you are a humble person who does everything for the sake of Heaven, for the sake of the people of Israel, and your intentions are pure. The Holy One, Blessed be He, examines hearts and minds. He judges you not according to your actions, but according to your intentions, and therefore I think you shouldn't be worried. In politics, if you need to say something but you say it from a pure heart because you want to advance His people and His heritage, there's no problem."
