21 Oct CAPTAIN CHAIM MEISELS: THE IDF HERO WHO SERVED SEVEN TOURS: A LEGACY OF EMUNAH, FAMILY, AND COURAGE

Going into Shemini Atzeres this year, people were filled with joy as live hostages were finally released. Outside of Hakadosh Baruch Hu, there are many to thank for making this happen, and the IDF is certainly at the top of that list.

One of the many IDF heroes is Captain Chaim Meisels. Chaim, 31, is the great-grandson of the Satmar Rebbe, R’ Beirach Moshe. About nine years ago, Chaim chose to immigrate to Eretz Yisrael and enlist in the Israel Defense Forces. Chaim served in the Egoz program, a special forces unit, and later in the Golani Brigade. He has served in the Gaza war on seven tours, returning each time as long as Eretz Yisrael needed him.

A year and a half ago, Ari Hirsch from The Jewish Vues interviewed Chaim for the first time and was blown away by the amazing response from readers. Last week, Ari spoke with Chaim again to discuss his experiences in Gaza, his seven tours of duty, his role in the operation that eliminated Sinwar, his family background, and how the great-grandson of the Satmar Rebbe became a captain in the IDF, among many other topics.

This interview should convince anyone that this man is a true hero of Am Yisrael, and that we need more people like Chaim in this world, fighting on behalf of Klal Yisrael.

Thank you for protecting Klal Yisrael and serving in Tzahal. Our readers in Chutz La’aretz truly appreciate what you and all the other chayalim are doing.

Thank you, I appreciate it! I’ll tell you firsthand that it means a lot to soldiers in the IDF when they see support coming from abroad, especially from people in the news. It really lifts morale, so thank you!

What have you been feeling these days following the release of the 20 hostages and the signing of the 20-point deal?

I’m very happy that the hostages came home. Twenty Jewish brothers returned, and I’m also glad that some of the bodies were brought back. But I’m not happy that we released live terrorists back to Hamas or that Hamas was allowed to remain in Gaza. I think they should have been completely eradicated. Still, I understand that it was the trade we had to make to bring our people home. I just hope we’re now in a stronger position to ensure Hamas never regains control.

How long do you think this deal will last?
I don’t know. But one thing is certain, if Hamas stays in power, they will try again. The question is what we’ll do to make sure they can’t.

Can you take us back to October 7, 2023? Where were you that day, and what happened?

My wife and I were with her family for the second days of Sukkos. Everything seemed normal at first. Around noon, a Hatzalah member told me a dispatcher had reported a massive attack in Israel with about 100 dead. I didn’t believe it at first. Minutes later, I checked my phone and saw dozens of messages from my soldiers and commanders “Chaim, where are you? We need you now!”
I packed my uniform, tallis, and tefillin and headed straight to JFK. There was a special 11 p.m. flight just for soldiers. When I landed in Israel, I joined my unit up north. After a few days, we moved south, trained for about a week and a half, and entered Gaza within hours of the ground operation.

What’s the first image that comes to your mind when you think of the Gaza war?
It’s not one image, but two, the hostages being taken into Gaza, and the hostages coming out. Those are moments I’ll never forget.

Besides thanking Hashem, who else deserves thanks for helping make this deal possible?
We should thank Hakadosh Baruch Hu first, of course, but also President Trump and his team, Jared Kushner, Steve Witkoff, and others, for their incredible work. I also believe Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu deserves a lot of credit for standing strong and ensuring the deal was the best possible for Israel.

You’ve been on seven tours in this war. What motivated you to keep going back, especially with a wife and two small children at home?
At first, it was about rescuing the hostages and defending Israel from invasion. Later, it became about the soldiers fighting beside me, the guys to my right and left. I felt it wasn’t fair to sit safely in America while they were still in danger. As long as the job wasn’t finished, I had to be there with them. Hopefully, things will calm down now so I can focus more on my family.

When we last spoke, you were a captain in Tzahal. Are you still a captain?

Yes, I’m still a captain. I’m not looking to rise in rank right now, just to finish my mission and, G-d willing, enjoy some quiet time.

If the deal collapses and fighting resumes, would you go back again?
One hundred percent.

Your unit played a role in eliminating Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar. Can you tell us about that mission?
It was a group effort, not a one-man mission. We were in the right place at the right time and got into a firefight with several terrorists, only later did we realize one of them was Sinwar. We were proud to be part of such a mission, but even prouder of the hostages we helped bring home and the lives we saved. That’s what truly matters.

So you didn’t know at first that it was him?
Correct. We only confirmed it about a day later after identifying him through various means.

Was it all done through drone work?
Drones helped, but it wasn’t just that. One soldier noticed something unusual, which triggered drone surveillance and tracking by our “shepherds” the guys skilled at identifying footprints and movement patterns. It was a true team effort.

How many people are in your unit?
Under my direct command, about 30 to 40. The entire unit has around 400 soldiers, and at least half were directly involved in that operation, which lasted nearly three days.

Please tell our readers about your most recent tour. What was daily life like in Gaza?
It was tough. This Simchas Torah was my first full one in two years. Last year I was in Gaza, and two years ago I was flying there. Even this year, I spent Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur in Gaza. We managed a small minyan for Kol Nidrei and Rosh Hashanah night, but most of the time we were focused on the mission, pushing Hamas to its limits. I believe the pressure we put on them helped make the hostage deal possible.

Do you sleep during operations like that?
We’re out there for weeks, sometimes even months, and we take turns deciding when each person can sleep.

Do you feel that the job is finally finished now?
Not yet. There’s still more to do, militarily and strategically. If we can empower the right people in Gaza, we can finally eliminate Hamas completely.

What have you learned most from your service in Tzahal?
Nothing can break Klal Yisrael.

What’s your favorite part and the most challenging part, of serving in the IDF?
My favorite part is seeing the achdus among soldiers from all backgrounds, Charedi, Chiloni, everyone working together toward the same goal. The hardest part is coming
out and seeing how divided Israeli society can be. I wish we could keep the unity we have in the army throughout life.

How do we keep the achdus within Klal Yisrael going?
We need to listen to the right leaders and be more flexible with each other. Just like in a shul, when two people disagree, they find a compromise. In politics, we must do the same. We actually agree on most big issues, it’s the side arguments that divide us. We have to stay focused on what unites us: we are one people, one family.

Where do you live now?
I live in Rockland County. I travel back to Israel regularly for reserve duty. I never expected to go back seven times for this war.

After so many tours, how do you transition back to civilian life when you return home?
It’s not easy. I stay mission-focused by helping other lone soldiers returning from service. Many of them struggle with PTSD or adjusting back to normal life. That’s why I stay involved, it helps me too.

When did you first go to Eretz Yisrael, and how did you end up enlisting in the IDF?
I grew up in Brooklyn in a Chareidi home but always felt something missing. My first trip to Israel was at age 11, and I instantly felt at home. I returned at 15 to study in Bnei Brak, then came back to America and began learning more about Israel. At 17, I knew I wanted a different life. In 2014, just before Operation Protective Edge, I flew to Israel alone and enlisted. After basic training,
I joined the Egoz unit, later transferred to Golani, became a commander, and eventually an officer.

How did your family react when you left for Israel?
It was hard for them. They didn’t understand at first, but I tried to explain that it wasn’t rebellion, it was conviction. Over time, as they saw I was living a meaningful life, things became easier. Now their main concern is my safety.
Do you ever see yourself making Aliyah full-time?
Maybe down the line, if the right opportunity comes.

Please tell us about Nevut, the organization you’ve been involved with for the last couple of years.

Nevut supports thousands of lone soldiers from around the world, especially those from the U.S. Many return home struggling emotionally or financially. Nevut helps them find jobs, therapy, and community so they can build normal, healthy lives.
You can learn more or donate at Nevut.org, it’s an amazing organization doing truly important work.

You are the great-grandson of the Satmar Rebbe. Please clarify your family lineage.
My great-grandfather was the Satmar Rebbe, Reb Moshe. He had seven children & I was the grandson of his daughter, Chaya.

Your great-grandfather strongly opposed the State of Israel. If you could speak to him now, what would you say?
I’d ask for a bracha. I believe that wherever he is now, he knows the truth. Maybe he once opposed the state’s formation, but it exists now, and millions of Jews live there. Our responsibility is to protect them. That’s what matters.

How do you think he would respond?
I think he would agree.

What is your reaction to the possibility of Zohran Mamdani becoming mayor of New York City?
I’m very disappointed, especially by Jewish leaders who have met with him or invited him to events. He’s an open anti-Semite. He hides behind anti-Zionism, but his words show it’s about Jews. It reminds me of the 1930s, when some Jewish leaders met with Hitler for personal gain. It’s disgraceful. Even if he wins, we’ll survive it, but it’s the community leaders trying to appease him who disappoint me most.

Who are some American politicians you believe are good for Klal Yisrael today?
On the national level, President Trump, Steve Witkoff, and Jared Kushner have all done tremendous work. Locally, Congressman Mike Lawler has been excellent and strongly supports Israel.

Is there anything else you’d like to share with Jewish Vues readers?
Yes. I want to thank Klal Yisrael for all the tefilos. We felt them constantly. There were many close calls, real miracles. I believe those prayers protected us. Now that the war has quieted, we must stay united, focused on our future, and continue to daven for Moshiach.

FUN QUESTIONS WITH CHAIM MEISELS

What was the first song that came to mind after hearing that the 20 hostages were released? Was there a specific song that came to you?
I’m not sure if it’ll make sense to your readers, but Galei Zahal is a radio station in Israel, just a regular radio station. A couple of weeks ago, they told our unit that we could each choose a song to be played in our honor while we were fighting. One of the guys in my unit passed away, so we gave the honor to his wife to choose the song. She chose “Amen Al Ha’yeladim Sheli.”
For me, listening to that song brings back memories of the guys who didn’t come back. It reminds me that we have to take care of their kids, and that we did it all for our children, so they could have a better life and a better future.

When you’re in battle, do you listen to music, or is that something you can’t really do?
Not really, no. The only “music” I heard was gunfire, explosions, and radio chatter. That’s a very different kind of music.

If you could go back in time and tell someone in Tanach something, even warn them about something, who would it be, and what would you say?
Shlomo HaMelech. I’d tell him that after he passes, Klal Yisrael will be divided and will never again have a king like him. I’d urge him to do something to keep us united, because I believe he was the smartest person of all time. He would have found a way to keep us b’achdus.

At Techiyas HaMeisim, aside from family, who are you most looking forward to meeting?
The Baal Shem Tov. I’m fascinated by Chassidus, what he did, why he did it, and the reasoning behind it all.

What do you wish you knew how to do better?
How to be a better Jew.

What’s your favorite quote or saying that inspires you?
“Im lo achshav, eimatai?” (“If not now, when?”)

If you could live in any Jewish community in history, which one would you choose?
The early years of Chassidus. I’d want to see how it all began, to be part of that.

Which middah is the hardest to change?
Anavah (humility).

What’s something about being part of Klal Yisrael that makes you proud or grateful?
How we show up for each other. It’s amazing to see, time and time again, in every way. There’s just something about Klal Yisrael, we always show up for one another.

What’s your favorite food on the grill at IDF BBQ’s?
Steak.

Name someone alive today whom you would call a leader.
Rav Hoshea Friedman, the Admor of Pashkan. He’s the great-grandson of the old Vizhnitz Rebbe. He served in the army and was in charge of everyone in the reserves until 2014. He left the army in 2015 or 2016. He was one of the most high-ranking rabbanim for sure. He has a beautiful shul and a yeshiva in Yerushalayim. He’s a very interesting rav and a real leader. In the army, he wasn’t a rabbi, he was full-on combat.

Name someone you’ve met in your lifetime who you would say has true Ahavas Yisrael.
Again, Rav Hoshea Friedman, the Admor of Pashkan.

If you could have three guests for your Friday night Shabbos dinner, anyone from the beginning of time, who would you want sitting at your Shabbos table?
• The Baal Shem Tov
• Avraham Avinu
• Shlomo HaMelech