top of page
ABOUT THE UNIT
The Duvdevan Unit (Unit 217) operates under the Commando Brigade, specifically the Oz Brigade. Established in May 1986 under the command of IOSH in the Central Command, the unit's name, "Duvdevan" (meaning "cherry"), was inspired during a discussion about its formation. It was suggested that this elite unit would be "the cherry on top," leading Major General Ehud Barak to choose the name as he "looked into the future."
The unit's symbol, the double-edged sword of Judge Ehud Ben Gera, embodies its motto: "For by wise guidance you will wage your war" (Proverbs 24:6). Known globally as a dynamic and pivotal force, the Duvdevan Unit is one of the most operationally active units in the IDF, spearheading operations in Judea & Samaria, Gaza and now Lebanon as well.
Service in the unit is challenging, interesting, and diverse. Its members carry a strong sense of mission, humility, and immense pride in their role in the ongoing effort to maintain and enhance the country's strength and security.
Given the unit's unique nature, both current members and veterans perceive themselves as part of a large family, continuing this bond throughout their service and into their adult lives. The unit's association plays a significant role, organizing social and professional events for reservists, veterans and the community.
It fosters a special sense of warmth and belonging, assisting these heroes in integrating into society and the job market.
THE ORGANIZATION
Friends of Duvdevan is a non-profit organization (501c3) whose mission is to financially support the Duvdevan Foundation in Israel. The foundation assists highly skilled individuals from the Duvdevan unit in their transition back to civilian life and helps them realize their full potential. By providing resources and opportunities, the foundation focuses its support on four main categories - education and scholarship, mentorship, resilience and post-trauma programs, care for combat-wounded soldiers, and facilitating successful integration into civilian life.
Since October 7th, our reserve duty soldiers have left their families and rejoined the unit in order to take part in the fighting in Gaza, Judea and Samaria, and Lebanon. These reserve soldiers left their families, their businesses, and their studies for many long months to fight in this current war. As a result, many of them have been economically impacted, and the Friends of Duvdevan organization set itself the goal of supporting them with monetary grants, subsidizing study scholarships, and helping their families in order to assist our reservists.
Friends of Duvdevan proudly demonstrates its commitment to supporting both active and reserve members of the unit.
bottom of page