Poised to become Israel's youngest MK, Yonatan Shalev wants the October 7 generation to lead

At 23, Yonatan Shalev is poised to become Israel's youngest Member of Knesset, aiming to amplify the voices of a generation profoundly shaped by the October 7 attacks and the subsequent war. Shalev, who is expected to be placed high on former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett’s Together Party list, believes this younger generation, which experienced the devastation firsthand and served in the IDF, must now lead the country's future.

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The younger generation isn’t looking to finger-point. It is looking for solutions. It is looking to live in the most promising country there is in the Middle East.

Shalev articulated his vision in an interview with The Jerusalem Post, emphasizing a forward-looking approach. "The younger generation isn’t looking to finger-point. It is looking for solutions. It is looking to live in the most promising country there is in the Middle East," he stated. His political aspirations stem from his experience co-founding Shoulder to Shoulder, an organization representing young Israelis and reservists, motivated by the loss of a close friend during the war.

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When he was murdered, I understood that I wanted to do something big.

"When he was murdered, I understood that I wanted to do something big," Shalev explained. "I understood that it’s the time for the younger generation to shine. I really believe in the younger generation and also in young people’s innovations." The organization advocates for universal conscription, pushing for legislation to enforce the enlistment of the ultra-Orthodox community, a stance that puts them at odds with the current government's policies.

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I understood that it’s the time for the younger generation to shine. I really believe in the younger generation and also in young people’s innovations.

Shalev argues that direct representation for the hundreds of thousands of young Israelis in the Knesset is crucial. "The generation that jumped, saved Israel, fought for [the country] over two and a half years – this is one that truly understands our needs," he asserted. He believes that placing young individuals in political roles will foster more effective solutions for the nation, enabling Israel to navigate its challenges and build a more promising future.

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The generation that jumped, saved Israel, fought for [the country] over two and a half years – this is one that truly understands our needs.