When I was 18 years old, I proudly joined the IDF (Israeli Defense Force), like many Israeli youngsters. I served for two years, the first in Hebron and the second near Eilat. My role involved encoding and decoding highly classified messages. It was an unusual experience to leave home and get used to obeying orders, but I felt honored to serve my country, the only homeland for Jewish people.
In Israel, when a mother welcomes a baby boy, her first concern is about the Brit procedure, and her second concern is about the inevitable day he'll join the army. There is always someone who tries to comfort her, saying, "Don't worry, by the time he grows up, we won't need an army." Deep down, we know it's not true, but we keep saying it as a hopeful sentiment, a wish for a peaceful future.
Fast forward, and now I'm a proud mother of four boys. My eldest is serving in Military Intelligence, part of a highly classified unit, making any details about his job a top secret. Annoying as it is that he can’t tell us anything, I'm incredibly proud of him, especially his strong motivation to serve.
The IDF operates on the model of "People's Army" (צבא העם), where all men and women join at 18. It may sound like they’re putting their life on hold for a couple of years, but actually, it shapes their personality. Transforming them from cranky teenagers to mature, responsible, independent individuals who appreciate their parents more. 😊
For years, our army has defended us under impossible conditions. Facing cruel terrorists, they strive not to harm the innocent while combating those actively involved. Imagine a young soldier, a high school student just a year earlier, encountering a Palestinian girl walking towards him. He must decide within seconds whether to shoot her and risk going to jail or not shoot her and risk getting killed. It's an impossible situation that happens daily.
The IDF is an army that balances power with compassion. It confronts Hamas with full force but goes far and beyond to help citizens evacuate the war zone. This includes personal calls to Palestinian families, text messages, and the distribution of flyers throughout their neighborhoods. It also involves taking action against Hamas's attempts to block civilians from leaving the conflict area. Could they do more to save the Gaza citizens? It's an army that will eliminate a terrorist without blinking but will also share his yogurt with a Palestinian child (yes, it actually happened). This is an army that will fly an airplane with a bomb to attack a terrorist, but if a passerby gets too close, the pilot will cancel the attack and return to his base. An army that fights against the most cruel and immoral terrorists in the world, who hide weapons under children’s beds and fire missiles from schools and hospitals, yet will keep the international laws of war to the smallest details. This kind of army must win!
Our mighty army, the same force that knows what the Hamas leaders eat for breakfast and assassinates a highly wanted terrorist on an enemy land from a passing motorcycle, was caught off guard on October 7th. Despite the initial shock, when soldiers finally reached the scene, they displayed exceptional bravery, risking their lives to save citizens.
Every morning, I check the news and fear seeing the words "הותר לפרסום" (Permitted for Publication). These words usually precede the names of soldiers who lost their lives that day. I hate those words. These soldiers are so young, their entire lives ahead of them. Some leave behind loving families, children, and spouses 💔. Looking at the photo of their faces, you see goodness, kindness, and bravery in their eyes. Thanks to these brave soldiers, we can sleep safely and enjoy the independence of our country.
The dreadful news today about another 2 soldiers that were killed in Gaza
In the IDF, commanders lead from the front, often sacrificing their lives in the process. A Hebrew saying goes: "תֵּדַע כָּל אֵם עִבְרִיָּה כִּי הִפְקִידָה אֶת גּוֹרַל בָּנֶיהָ בִּידֵי הַמְּפַקְּדִים הָרְאוּיִים לְכָךְ" (Let every Hebrew mother know that her son's destiny rests in the hands of commanders deemed worthy), and indeed they are! ✨
In addition to soldiers on active duty, many reserve soldiers have been mobilized for the war in Gaza, with an astonishing attendance rate exceeding 100%! They have been in the fight since October 7th, returning home for very brief breaks, if at all. As a result, many mothers now find themselves alone, taking on the responsibility of caring for their homes and children for the past 83 days. In response, citizens have united to organize assistance and established a system to connect volunteers with mothers in need—a truly beautiful initiative that reflects the strength of Israeli society. Today, I signed up for this organization, eagerly waiting to start my own personal 'reserved' service.
The recruitment of reserve soldiers also creates situations in which both husband and wife serve in reserve, while grandparents take care of their children, siblings find themselves fighting in different parts of Gaza, and even fathers and sons. In one remarkable case, a helicopter pilot communicated with soldiers in a tank who were seeking backup from the air in combat. As he realized the voice on the pager was familiar, he found out it was actually his son inside the tank. They ended the call with a heartfelt "I love you."
Since the war began, until today, 501 soldiers have been killed 💔. They sacrificed their lives protecting us, protecting our country, protecting our right to have a homeland, and protecting Jews worldwide.
Lieutenant Colonel Tomer Grinberg, who was killed in Gaza, leaves behind a wife and a 3-year-old daughter
The increase in worldwide antisemitism and anti-Israel sentiment is deeply troubling. It's a shame that Jews can't wear a Magen David necklace without concern for their safety. It’s also a shame that a Jewish parent cannot send their child to school or go to the synagogue without heavy security. This needs to change.
This war may last a long time and exact a high toll on all aspects of life, but eventually, we will defeat our enemies and secure our right to live safely and peacefully. As Golda Meir said, we have a secret weapon: we have nowhere else to go!
Any passenger landing at Ben Gurion airport can see a big sign that says:
🌟 וְשָׁבוּ בָנִים לִגְבוּלָם 🌟 (thy sons shall return to their own territory)
This is the full verse:
"וְיֵשׁ תִּקְוָה אַחֲרִיתֵךְ נְאֻם יְהוָה וְשָׁבוּ בָנִים לִגְבוּלָם"
"And there shall be hope in thine end, saith the Lord, and thy sons shall return to their own territory." (Deuteronomy 30:3)
Our unity makes us strong, and no one can break that bond!
I want to thank you for your supportive messages, with your thoughts and prayers. They fill us with strength and hope.
Stay safe wherever you are, and let's hope and pray that all our soldiers come back home safe and sound. Amen! 🇮🇱🇮🇱🇮🇱
💕 We love to read your messages, so feel free to share any thoughts, experiences, or feelings that you have.
With heartfelt gratitude,
Yochi,
Oy Joy Team 💙🤍💙
Comments