IDF: The stubborn, persistent, and capable individual is the one who wins in battle

The IDF’s Empowerment Day for Physical Culture and Combat Fitness took place today (Monday) in Afula, with an emphasis on the IDF’s support for the rehabilitation of northern communities. The event was led by the Chief of Staff, Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir, and attended by commanders ranked Lieutenant Colonel and above serving in operational roles, alongside approximately 2,000 students from schools and educational frameworks in the city of Afula. The event was held in cooperation with the Afula Municipality, the “Yachad Lema’an HaChayal” organization, and the Israel Nature and Parks Authority.

As part of the championship, commanders participated in a joint run and in training in various sports, including strength training, running, navigation, and off-road cycling. Additionally, they attended lectures on physical culture and a healthy lifestyle.

The event took place following the IDF championships in combat fitness held in recent weeks, initiated by the Combat Fitness Corps, as part of the ongoing effort to strengthen physical and combat fitness, promote a healthy lifestyle, and improve the operational readiness of IDF service members.

At the end of the event, an awards ceremony and certificate presentation was held for the commanders who won the IDF championship in combat fitness.

From the words of the Chief of Staff, Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir: “The stubborn, persistent, and fit one is the one who wins in battle. We are continuing the tradition of the IDF championship for commanders even in light of the complex security situation, out of an understanding that combat fitness is an operational necessity and a central component of the IDF’s readiness and fitness.

We are holding the championship in the shadow of an ongoing campaign, and we must ensure that IDF commanders, our spearhead, maintain their fitness and readiness at all times. The IDF championship for commanders is not just a sporting event, but an expression of a fundamental operational requirement and the personal example required of every commander. Physical and mental readiness are intertwined, and we must continue to foster them as part of our way of life.”