Signer Spotlight: Aviv Argaman

Tell us about your background and current role in the IDF.

I’m 34 years old, married with two young daughters—ages 3 years and 10 months. I served in the Paratroopers Brigade and later as a platoon commander, leading 20-30 soldiers. Over the past few years, I transitioned to a new role in the reserves, more of a desk job. But on October 7th , I volunteered to go back and serve as a commander in the reserves unit I commanded in the past. Outside of the military, I manage a small hedge fund in Israel, balancing my responsibilities as a soldier, leader, and father.

What was your story on October 7?

I realized something was happening—something unlike anything we had faced before. Early that morning, I sat down with my wife and told her I felt compelled to act. My former unit was missing a commander, and I wanted to volunteer for the role with her blessing. As a Jewish citizen of Israel and a leader, I knew it was my responsibility to do all I could in this crisis.

We had an exceedingly difficult conversation. We talked about our values—about what we stand for and what kind of example we wanted to set for our daughters. After just a few minutes, it was clear: our country needed us. Commanders, soldiers, and combatants were needed to protect the population and confront the terror threat. My wife also went back to reserve duty as an IDF spokesperson, and our daughter moved to her grandparents for a few months.

How has October 7 changed Israel and its people?

It’s been a seismic shift. For years, much of Israel’s strategy was built on the idea that we could create a better future for the region by helping the Palestinians rebuild, recover, and establish a sense of normalcy. We believed this would lead to stability. But that approach collapsed completely on October 7.

We now see the reality of radicalization of the Palestinian population – it is deeply entrenched in hatred and violence so no rational solutions are possible. As Israelis, we’re grappling with how to de-radicalize them and prevent another tragedy like this.

It’s not easy, but I believe the path forward lies in three areas: education, demilitarization, and rebuilding their economy. We need to look to moderate Arab nations, like the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, as models for what’s possible and hopefully reach a better future through these avenues.

What do Jews outside of Israel need to understand about the conflict?

Israel is such a small country, so we feel the impact of every conflict deeply. Whether in the North or the South, it affects us all.

On October 7, there was an overwhelming sense of loneliness and uncertainty. But in the days that followed, we felt an outpouring of love and support from the Jewish diaspora—people sending equipment, fulfilling requests, and even traveling with full bags of supplies. That connection reminded us that we’re not alone, that Jews everywhere stand together in times of need.

As someone who has fought on the ground, how do we begin to tackle antisemitism?

One of the biggest challenges is that we’re fighting against a completely different value system—a system where strength and cruelty are glorified, and years of radicalization have dehumanized Jews in the Palestinians’ eyes. This perspective is hard to grasp when viewed through Western values.

Antisemitism isn’t new, but it feels more emboldened today than ever before. Education is key to changing hearts and minds. We need to help people understand the nuances of these conflicts, why they matter, and what’s at stake—not just for Israel but for the Jewish people globally.

Why did you sign the Jewish Future Promise?

I signed because I believe in action. As a father, a soldier, and a proud Jew, I know our values mean nothing unless we live by them. By supporting Jewish organizations and securing a future for the Jewish people, we’re setting an example for future generations. Signing the Jewish Future Promise isn’t just a commitment—it’s a statement of hope, resilience, and unity.

As Edmund Bruke stated so eloquently: “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.”

Bio

Captain Res. Aviv Argaman, 34, is married with two daughters and resides in Tel Aviv. In 2014, Aviv participated in the documentary Beneath the Helmet: From High School to the Home Front, a story that followed the lives of five Israeli high school graduates recruited to serve in the army paratrooper brigade for their compulsory military service. 

He worked as an engineer at Intel and a business consultant at Oliver Wyman. He is the founder and manager of Asymmetry Point Capital, a US-based hedge fund. Aviv served as an officer in the IDFʼs elite paratroopers unit and led his platoon on various combat missions. In the reserves, Aviv serves as a commander in the 55th Paratroopers Brigade.