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Nairobi-based ex-diplomat Gilad Millo is a proud father after his firstborn son Omer joined the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) as a paratrooper.
Celebrating his son’s conscription to the IDF at the Israeli Air Force Museum, the singer shared that it was difficult parting with his 20 year- old son.
“I hugged you this morning for as long as I could until it was time to let you go. How can a father possibly be prouder?
"My son, my boy, my firstborn, my pride, my Omer sending you off today to join the Israel Defense Force, as a paratrooper knowing that tomorrow mom and I are on a plane back to Kenya, was one of the more difficult moments we've known since you came into this world a little over 20 years ago,” he wrote.
In the detailed Instagram post, Millo revealed that Omer chose to return to their native country alone; a nation he represented for years as deputy head of mission at the Israeli Embassy in Nairobi.
“This is the choice you made, to be a real Israeli, to return to Israel alone and serve your country as a lone soldier and as you say, to aim as high as you can and give it your all. I ask God to protect and keep you healthy, safe, happy and strong! Counting the days till I can hug you again. Love you to the moon and back - your very proud Dad!”
Paratroopers Brigade
According to the IDF, the Paratroopers Brigade -also known as the 35th Brigade, was established in September 1948.
It is an elite unit that forms a major part of the Infantry Corps whose soldiers spot ‘maroon berets with the infantry pin and reddish-brown boots’.
Considering that military service is mandatory for all Israeli citizens with a few exceptions, admission to the brigade are held twice a year in April and December. The latter of which Millo's son successfully enlisted.
Men must be between 18 and 23 and serve for two years and eight months. Women; 18 and 22 and serve for two years.
