Sturgo is the CEO of Aharai, an organization that promotes leadership skills in Israeli youth. A veteran of the Second Lebanon War, he saw combat during the October 7 massacre.
The current Knesset elections are imminent, but with a new race and new parties come new names and faces.
Depending on how this election turns out, these newcomers of today could be the ministers of tomorrow and can help shape the course of Israeli politics going forward.
One such newcomer is Amir Sturgo, a candidate on Naftali Bennett’s B’Yachad list. What is his story? What brought him to politics?
Sturgo is the CEO of Aharai, an organization that promotes leadership skills in Israeli youth. A veteran of the Second Lebanon War, he saw combat during the October 7 massacre. Sturgo spent over 450 days on reserve duty.
Today, he lives in the Negev and helps lead B’Yachad party policies on combating crime, particularly in the region he calls home.
Shortly before the elections, we spoke briefly with him to hear his story.
What got you into politics?
After losing 66 Aharai alumni and serving over 450 days in the military reserves, I decided this must be my mission. I view my entry into politics as a continuation of the path I forged in the military, in education, and in civil society.
What made you want to run with B'Yachad?
I believe Bennett possesses the experience and skills required to lead Israel at this critical juncture. B’Yachad is the only party offering detailed action plans to address the root causes of the challenges we face - from the conscription crisis and the collapse of our education system to rampant crime and the erosion of governance (a reality my neighbors and I witness daily in the Negev), and more.
What do you think are the biggest issues in this election?
We must invest in Israel’s social, security, and economic engines of growth. In practical terms, this means implementing the "Revolution for Those Who Serve" - a policy we propose. When we invest in the segment of the public that serves and works, the nation becomes stronger, more secure, and more prosperous.
Conversely, when we invest in draft evasion and educational systems that fail to teach core subjects, the consequences for our national security and economy are predictable.
This is the choice before us.
Why do you think Bennett is the right person to handle them?
Throughout his tenure as minister of education, minister of economy, minister of defense, and prime minister, Bennett has proven his ability to focus on what truly matters and deliver tangible results on the ground - such as the "5-unit" (advanced-level) reform in education, achieving the quietest year in the south in terms of security, and driving down prices in the economy.
Judging by his track record, he has succeeded in every role he has held - both before entering politics, as a businessman and a commander, and since.
There is no substitute for this kind of experience. As someone who served as a military commander and chose to live in a community that integrates both religious and secular residents, unity is important to me - not merely as a slogan, but as a way of life. I see Bennett as a leader capable of uniting all segments of the nation and forging a shared Israeli narrative.
What advice do you have for anyone interested in getting into politics?
Follow your heart and your inner convictions all the way, and do not let peripheral noise hold you back.