The raw authenticity of a video of combat medic resonated globally, highlighting the human side of war.
By Hezy Laing
In recent years, the IDF has witnessed the rise of soldier‑influencers, young servicemen and women who share their experiences online and attract massive audiences. Among the most prominent are Daniel Wolf, Yonatan Weiss, Alex Greenberg, Yael Haddad, and David Ben‑Shushan, each carving out a unique niche while balancing service and digital fame.
Daniel Wolf, a combat medic, has over 250,000 Instagram followers. His most viral post showed him treating wounded comrades under fire, captioned simply: “Saving lives, one heartbeat at a time.” The raw authenticity resonated globally, highlighting the human side of war.
Yonatan Weiss, a paratrooper, commands 180,000 TikTok followers. His viral clip of soldiers singing Hebrew songs in a Gaza staging area drew millions of views, symbolizing resilience and camaraderie. Weiss specializes in morale‑boosting content, blending humor and patriotism.
Alex Greenberg, a lone soldier from the U.S., has 120,000 followers on YouTube and Instagram. His most popular video, “From New York to the IDF,” chronicled his journey from civilian life abroad to combat service in Israel. Greenberg’s specialty is bridging cultures, explaining IDF life to international audiences.
Yael Haddad, a 25‑year‑old IDF combat medic, has become a prominent soldier‑influencer with over 280,000 Instagram followers. She shares frontline experiences, from treating wounded comrades under fire to moments of camaraderie in field hospitals. Her most viral post showed her stabilizing a soldier while smiling reassuringly, captioned: “Strength is saving lives.” Yael’s specialty lies in blending medical professionalism with motivational storytelling.
David Ben‑Shushan, a tank commander, has 200,000 TikTok followers. His most viral video showed his crew singing inside a Merkava tank before battle, symbolizing unity and courage. Ben‑Shushan specializes in portraying the grit and humor of armored warfare.
The IDF acknowledges both positives and negatives of soldier‑influencers.
On the positive side, these accounts boost morale, humanize the military, and strengthen Israel’s global image, especially among younger audiences.
They provide authentic glimpses into service life, countering hostile narratives.
However, the IDF also warns of security risks. Viral posts can inadvertently reveal locations, operations, or sensitive details.
The balance between openness and operational secrecy remains delicate.
