One of Taylor Swift’s personal security guards has reportedly traveled to Israel and joined the nation’s reserve forces. Israel confirmed the news via Instagram earlier this week.
“Hey [Taylor Swift], we promise you’ll never find another like him,” the post reads.
“Taylor Swift’s #ErasTour [bodyguard] returned home to fight for his country.”
The guard refused to publicly share his name with members of the press. However, he did tell Eran Swissa, an entertainment reporter for the Israeli newspaper Israel Hayom, that he “couldn’t stand by while families were slaughtered and burned alive in their homes.”
“I have a pretty great life in the US, a dream job, great friends, and a comfortable home,” he said.
“I didn’t have to come here, but I couldn’t stand by while families were slaughtered and burned alive in their homes. Don’t stand by and do nothing. Don’t be on the wrong side of history.”
Swift has not publicly addressed her bodyguard’s decision to join Israeli forces or the ongoing violence in the region.
In recent weeks, more than 1,300 Israelis and nearly 3,700 Palestinians have been killed. As a result, several musicians in the U.S., including Miguel, Victoria Monet and Vic Mensa, have signed letters calling for a ceasefire in the region and necessary supplies to be distributed to civilians in the area, particularly Gaza.
