Trading the gun for the brush. The talented Rotem Zamir, passionate about art and painting since childhood, has realized her dream by serving in the IDF as a "military painter." Her original and high-quality murals, which adorn Israeli military bases, quickly went viral, and Rotem has gained increasing success in the channels and on social media. Today, she has nearly 12,000 followers on Instagram. Thanks to this young woman, the role of "military painter" is now officially listed among the positions for recruits in Tsahal.
"My connection to the world of art is not just about painting, but also about self-discovery. We are here for a reason, and everyone has their purpose in this world. We all have a spark and a passion for something. I decided to transform that spark into a massive fire and that little hobby into an integral part of my life. Each piece of art is a part of me, and you are its interpretation. Drawing accompanied me throughout high school. I had concentration issues, but when it came to painting, I entered my own world and could stay there for hours without anyone distracting me," says Rotem.
Originally from Dimona in southern Israel, the 21-year-old woman has always considered herself an artist. Before joining the army, she even started her own business to sell her paintings. When she joined the IDF at the age of 18, she was assigned the role of "border combatant," but Rotem has a deep fear of weapons: she firmly refused the position and sought an alternative, despite the challenges. It was then that she discovered Bat Sheva Schneider, the first military painter. It was a dream for her, and she fought fiercely to secure that role at all costs.
"I was so determined! Either I got this position or I wouldn't do anything at all, because I didn't want to be a combatant due to my fear of weapons, and I didn't want a desk job with no real meaning. I wanted to make the soldiers happy and bring color to the bases that are so sad and depressing. It's not easy for young soldiers to start in the IDF; my wish was to make their daily lives brighter through my gift for drawing," says Rotem.
Around twenty bases transformed into works of art
Rotem quickly reached out to Bat Sheva for help, as the chances of achieving her goal were minimal since the position was not officially part of the IDF's recruitment system.
"When I was given the role, I made it my mission to have it officially recognized in the IDF so that other young people could enlist as military painters," says Rotem.
"I started meeting with commanders from different bases across the country to propose my murals, and one of them took me under his wing, allowing me to become his assistant in addition to painting. I painted in about 17 bases, and it was sensational. I received amazing feedback; the soldiers were very grateful. Some wrote to me that when they had to stay on base over the weekends, they enjoyed looking at my paintings, as it lifted their spirits," she says.
Little by little, Rotem's murals gained appreciation, and several major bases contacted her to customize the walls of military buildings. "I quickly gathered millions of views on TikTok, and videos of me painting in the bases reached the highest commanders who wanted me to paint in their facilities," explains Rotem.
Among Rotem's murals are a caricature of Hamas leader Sinwar with a rat on his shoulder, soldiers with the Israeli flag, and a soldier from the Oketz canine unit with a dog. Rotem dreamed of joining this unit.
"When I was at this base to create my mural, I felt right at home; these are incredible soldiers, and the bond between humans and animals is impressive. The dogs are like their children," she explains.
It takes Rotem between three days and a week to complete her murals, and she generally paints subjects related to the various military bases.
Given her growing success, Rotem met with the head of the Meitav unit, responsible for overseeing new recruits in the IDF and assigning them to their respective corps, to inform him that several people also want this role. She urged him to create this unit, and since then, many soldiers who cannot enlist in combat positions for physical or psychological reasons have become military painters. This is a tremendous source of pride for Rotem.
"This experience has been the most beautiful thing I've done so far in my life; it's moving and fills me with satisfaction. I believe that painting is not only a calling but also a kind of mission entrusted to me, as it brings joy to people, and it’s an intense happiness to be the source of that joy. We have the best army in the world, and I thank all the soldiers who do invaluable work to defend our country; we are proud of them," she concluded.
Rotem finished her military service six months ago but was called back as a reservist and will again be creating murals in the bases. She is also working on projects related to hostages and hopes to study art in Rome soon.
Caroline Haïat
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