Veteran with 450 reserve days runs for Bennett's new party
Amir Sturgo, CEO of Aharai, seeks a Knesset seat on the B'Yachad list after losing 66 former students in the October 7 attacks.
By Amelia Gupta ·
A former combat soldier who served 450 days on reserve duty is running for the Knesset on Naftali Bennett's B'Yachad list. Amir Sturgo aims to shape policy in the Negev, the region where he lives, by focusing on crime reduction and social support.
Sturgo currently serves as the CEO of Aharai, an organization dedicated to building leadership skills among Israeli youth. His military record includes combat service in the Second Lebanon War and during the October 7 attacks. He stated that losing 66 Aharai alumni during the conflict cemented his decision to enter politics.
"I view my entry into politics as a continuation of the path I forged in the military, in education, and in civil society," Sturgo said. He described his move into public office as a direct mission stemming from his personal losses and extensive reserve service.
Sturgo chose to run with B'Yachad because he believes Bennett has the necessary experience to lead the country. He argued that his party is the only one offering detailed action plans to address root causes of national problems. These issues include the conscription crisis, the decline of the education system, and rising crime in the Negev.
The candidate proposed a policy called the "Revolution for Those Who Serve." Sturgo said this plan involves investing in citizens who work and serve in the military. He contrasted this approach with investing in draft evasion and educational systems that fail to teach core subjects, claiming the latter leads to predictable negative consequences for security and the economy.
Sturgo pointed to Bennett's record as prime minister and in various ministerial roles as evidence of his effectiveness. He cited specific outcomes, including the "5-unit" education reform, the quietest year in southern security, and a reduction in consumer prices. Sturgo described Bennett as a leader capable of uniting religious and secular segments of the population.
The B'Yachad candidate emphasized the importance of unity as a way of life rather than a slogan. He noted that he lives in a community that integrates both religious and secular residents. Sturgo advised aspiring politicians to follow their inner convictions and not let peripheral noise hold them back.
