After 300 days away from his family due to reserve duty, the winner said his first goal is to spend quality time with them.
By Shula Rosen
A father of four from southern Israel has won the Israeli National Lottery’s top prize of 10 million shekels, marking a life-changing moment after nearly a year of reserve duty, Arutz Sheva reports.
The man, in his fifties, said he has been serving continuously since October 7, 2023.
He explained that he has long played the same series of numbers, each tied to family members, and that this time they finally paid off.
He recalled learning of his winnings directly from the lottery stand.
“The franchisee told me right away that I won a lot and to come to the National Lottery’s main offices. He showed me how to scan the form with the app, and together we realized the amount was 10 million shekels,” he said.
After 300 days away from his family due to reserve duty, the winner said his first goal is to spend quality time with them.
“My first dream is to take everyone on a big vacation overseas,” he shared. Beyond that, he is weighing major changes.
“I am also considering beginning academic studies and starting a new career. I feel that now I go down a gear in the race of life.”
He ended on a note of optimism: “Life’s full of surprises. Sometimes dreams come true when we don’t expect it…”
Israel’s lottery, Mifal haPais, was established in 1951 to raise funds for the construction of a Tel Aviv hospital.
Since then, Mifal haPais has funded projects including pediatric clinics, hospitals, sports facilities, classrooms and school buildings, youth centers, adult education programs, cultural halls, performing arts venues, and public parks.
