Actor James Caan in Israel: Says He Wants to be Drafted into the Israeli Army

Veronica Neffinger : Jul 25, 2016
Israel21c.org

"I'm waiting for my mandatory draft paper for the IDF—I'm willing to fight for this country. Whenever this country suffers, I suffer with it." -James Caan

(Israel)—[Israel21c.org] Hollywood actor James Caan—best known for his role in The Godfather as hot-tempered Sonny Corleone—is in Israel on a five-day visit. (Photo by Flash 90)

Caan posed for the cameras at the Western Wall this morning, wrapping teffilin (phylacteries) and placing a note in the cracks of the ancient stones.

Caan, the son of German Jewish immigrants to the US, is in Israel as a guest of the Ministry of Tourism and the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.

His short visit will include a meeting with Israeli university students and faculty, a visit to a special IDF unit, and taking a flight above the country's skyline.

Caan will also dine at some of the country's best culinary hot spots and visit award-winning wineries.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife, Sara, met the American actor during his time in Jerusalem.

Caan said to Netanyahu that the visit has strengthened his spiritual connection to Israel. "I'm waiting for my mandatory draft paper for the IDF, I'm willing to fight for this country," said Caan. "Whenever this country suffers, I suffer with it."