He managed to extract himself from a burning Hummer military jeep before losing consciousness and was evacuated by helicopter.
By Hezy Laing
Rabbi Nir Yaakov Mass, head of the Hesder Yeshiva “Lev Tel Aviv,” rejoined reserve duty when the Iron Sword War began, despite having been formally discharged years earlier.
Hesder yeshivas combine army service with Torah study in a five-year program for young men, 18-23 years old.
When the war broke out Mass volunteered his operational skills to the IDF, including experience in operational driving, and courses he completed during his service in the 667th Infantry Division.
The army quickly assigned him to the mobility unit of the 98th Division, where he served for hundreds of days, often driving in dangerous supply convoys through harsh nighttime conditions in sand and dust.
During the fighting, Mass was seriously injured in an operational accident near Khan Yunis in Gaza.
He managed to extract himself from a burning Hummer military jeep before losing consciousness and was evacuated by helicopter. Despite broken ribs and concerns about head trauma, he returned to reserve duty less than two weeks later, determined to continue serving.
His yeshiva operated with most of its students drafted—about 80% were mobilized immediately. Many students repeatedly returned for reserve duty, and Mass observed strong unity among soldiers from diverse backgrounds.
He emphasized the significant contribution of Hesder yeshivot, noting that graduates in their 30s and 40s continued to serve and strengthen their units.
Mass endured profound personal loss during the war. Two of his students, Sergeant Lavi Gihisi and Staff Sergeant (res.) Uriel Silverman, were killed.
Gihisi was a deeply thoughtful, kind individual who sought to combine Torah study with military service and often struggled with theological questions.
Silverman was remembered for his generosity and care for others. Mass also lost his son‑in‑law, Binyamin Schreiber, who died during training in a special unit. Stories shared during the shiva revealed Schreiber’s exceptional character and deep faith.
Mass also discussed ultra‑Orthodox conscription, arguing that meaningful change must come through voluntary choice rather than coercion. His proposed model involved granting temporary exemptions at age 18 to allow young men to decide freely between Torah study, military service, and work.
Mass said the mission of Yeshivat Lev Tel Aviv was connecting Torah study to daily life and the broader Israeli public. Students engage and learn with secular Tel Aviv residents early in their studies, fostering deeper personal connections and mutual understanding.
