The Wertheim family, one of Israel’s most prominent business dynasties, controls major holdings in Coca‑Cola Israel (The Central Bottling Company), Mizrahi‑Tefahot Bank, and significant real‑estate and energy assets.
By Hezy Laing
In a story that highlights the distinctive character of Israeli military culture, Jonathan Wertheim, the son of billionaire businessman Dudi Wertheim, was injured while serving as a combat reservist in the fighting along the Lebanese border.
The Wertheim family, one of Israel’s most prominent business dynasties, controls major holdings in Coca‑Cola Israel (The Central Bottling Company), Mizrahi‑Tefahot Bank, and significant real‑estate and energy assets.
Jonathan’s sister, Maya Wertheim is an Israeli actress known for roles in theater and television., adding further visibility to the family name.
Jonathan, a trained infantry reservist in his thirties, was wounded during an operational maneuver near the communities of Shtula and Zar’it, areas repeatedly targeted by Hezbollah anti‑tank missiles, drones, and rocket fire since October 2023.
The incident occurred during clashes between IDF Forces and Hezbollah, the Iran‑backed terrorist group.
According to IDF medical officials, Jonathan sustained moderate injuries and was evacuated to Rambam Health Care Campus in Haifa, one of Israel’s leading trauma centers.
Israel’s reserve system is among the largest and most socially integrated in the world, with more than 465,000 registered reservists and tens of thousands mobilized during the current conflict.
Unlike many Western militaries, Israel’s reserve duty cuts across socioeconomic boundaries.
Children of CEOs, tech founders, Knesset members, and high‑net‑worth families routinely serve in combat battalions with soldiers from much lower income brackets.
During the 2023–2024 mobilization, the IDF reported record participation from senior executives and entrepreneurs, including leaders of companies valued in the billions.
Dudi Wertheim, whose net worth is estimated in the billions by Forbes Israel, issued a brief statement expressing pride in his son’s service and gratitude to the medical teams treating him.
The episode has been widely described as an example of the “Only in Israel” phenomenon, where national service remains a powerful equalizer and where even the children of the country’s wealthiest families continue to serve — and risk their lives — alongside ordinary citizens on the front lines.
