Gal is an Israeli soldier based near Tel Aviv.  ​

Gal Hikri - Rosh Ayin, Israel

I was fortunate enough to go on my Israeli Birthright trip along with 42 other Jews and 6 Israeli soldiers. There, I met a humbled young soldier by the name of Gal. At first glance, he seemed quiet. But, after having multiple conversations with Gal, I came to realize he was a humbled, yet complex individual with a story to tell. 

On our 10-day trip, Gal and I got to know each other on a deeper level. Of the 6 soldiers accompanying the group, I found Gal to be the most intriguing because of his humbled demeanor and soft spoken nature. 

I thank him for taking the time to share his views on the world. ~ Dan Hellinger

What improvements do you want to see the Israel make in the next 5 years? 

"Israel is a great country, but there are still a few things that need to be improved in my opinion.

First of all, Israel is a very expensive country, the cost of living here is too high. A young couple who wants to purchase an apartment has to be either wealthy or supported financially by their parents, which most of the time is not an option. I really hope when I will look for a place of may own (I'm living with my parents at the moment) the prices will decrease. I feel for Israelis that have to fend for themselves day-by-day to make ends meat. Israel is a tough country to live in financially. 

The second thing that I think needs to change is the way Israel is portrayed to the rest of the world. My perspective is that Israel isn’t a bad country. We have our ups and downs like any other developed nation. I think we can improve on multiple areas, but I think overall we are a strong country with a lot to offer. I don’t fully understand why Israel is portrayed in a negative light to the rest of the world. 
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The third thing is the Israeli temper, mostly on the roads (haha). The drivers here aren’t the best. People get road rage so easily here! I would hope this improves in the future!"

What aspirations do you want to achieve in life?

"I want to have the chance to travel all over the world and to leave a good impression wherever I go. I want to be able to experience new cultures, make new friends, try new things and explore life. I think most people would say the same thing. It’s all about being happy in life and whatever gets you there is your way of doing it. It just so happens I want to get out in the world and experience life itself. I also want to find a job I truly enjoy. I want to wake up in morning and be excited to start the day."

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"I want to have the chance to travel all over the world and to leave a good impression wherever I go. I want to be able to experience new cultures, make new friends, try new things and explore life. I think most people would say the same thing."

Is money important or is the power of knowledge more crucial to you?

Gal's Personal Background 
"Definitely the power of knowledge is way more important and more valuable than money. I think that almost everyone can get money but not everyone can achieve knowledge and be educated. Knowledge is the foundation to a productive life. If people aren’t informed, the world suffers. Money comes and goes, knowledge is a lifetime achievement."
"I grew up in Rosh HaAyin (a city 20 min away from Tel-Aviv) in a traditional non-religious house, although both of my parents grew up in an orthodoxes religious homes.
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My parents decided to send me to an orthodoxes religious elementary school so that I'd have at least the basic knowledge in Judaism.

I see Judaism more as a culture that has a purpose of bringing people together like in the Kidush, which is the Friday night meal – all the family singing Shabbat songs together and actually talking without using our cellphones (!). It's the one thing every family member looks forward to during the week."