A father experienced the initiation of his son into the Alpha Epsilon Pi Fraternity’s Aleph Chapter in Herzliya, Israel, a ceremony marked by the presence of brothers who have served in the Israel Defense Forces.
A Father’s Perspective on Son’s Initiation
The experience began with familiar words: “Who goes there? A rightful brother of the Alpha Epsilon Pi Fraternity and neophytes who desire more light on Brotherly Love…” However, this time felt different, as the author traveled 8,118 miles to witness his son, Sam, become a member of the fraternity.
It had been 6,874 days since the author first held his son, and he had hoped Sam would one day join AEPi. The initiation took place at the Olami Center in Herzliya, and the author was asked to serve on the ritual team, a request he readily accepted.
IDF Service and Brotherhood
During the initiation, the author observed a striking difference from previous ceremonies: several brothers were carrying holstered firearms. Many of the brothers had served or were currently serving in the IDF, with experience in Gaza and the Northern Border.
The author expressed immense pride in standing alongside these men, who he believes represent the best of the fraternity and protect their ancestral homeland. The ceremony itself was described as beautiful, with Sam being initiated with the author’s badge, the same one worn by his nephew in 2011 at George Washington University.
Following the ceremony, there were hugs, photos, and emotional moments during Good & Welfare. The author presented Sam with his first set of letters and gifts.
Looking Ahead
Reflecting on the experience, the author expressed a desire for Sam to have a deep and meaningful experience with AEPi, filled with lasting friendships and memories. He also acknowledged the “fraternity within a fraternity” of fathers initiating their sons.
The author also mentioned several other potential legacies, hoping their future AEPi experiences will honor the fraternity’s legacy policy and core values. He expressed gratitude to the brothers of the Aleph Chapter, Benjamin Alfon, Yoni Ben-Naim, Tzuf Netanel, Kevin Simckes, David Steinbock, Daniel Tawil, and all others, for the gift they had given his family.
The author concluded with a poem reflecting on the meaning of brotherhood.
PSM Jeff Jacobson
(Editor’s Note 1: Recommend an AEPi legacy here. Make sure you let the international office know as soon as possible of these young men so we can notify the chapter!)
(Editor’s Note 2: Do you have something to say or a story to tell? Submit your own Voices piece for consideration to [email protected] and we’d be happy to work with you and publish your story!)
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