Responsibility and the drive to set a personal example are fundamental values in the Israel Defense Forces. Just as every soldier has to play an active role in defending the country, its citizens and inhabitants, soldiers are also responsible for setting a shining example of motivation, perseverance and morality.
When theState of Israel was founded in 1948, the surrounding countries invaded in an attempt to destroy the new state. That was the primary reason for founding the Israel Defense Forces. Unfortunately, the story is not much different today. The IDF is still tasked with preserving Israel’s existence, while also constituting a role model to civilians - a symbol of safety and security. It is an idea deeply ingrained in Israel’s youth, for those who grew up in Israel and those who choose to move here from abroad.
Such is the case for, Corporal Mauricio Glucksmann, an immigrant originally from Caracas, Venezuela. In his country of birth, he witnessed much violence and tragedy. When he came to Israel, however, he finally felt safe. “No matter where I was, I felt safe when I saw an IDF soldier” he recalls. “That was why I decided to become one of those soldiers who could provide that type of comfort.”
Pvt. Mauricio Glucksmann
For some, taking on the responsibility of being a soldier hits very close to home. Many Israelis know someone who was killed or injured in war or terrorist attacks. Such is the case with Corporal Rotem Saidon. When terrorists from Lebanon raided the Israeli northern coastal city of Nahariya, Cpl. Rotem Saidon’s relatives were among the victims.
Her family’s history personally affects her role as a Command and Control Center operator for the Israel Navy. “We watch the maritime border in every way possible, using radars and cameras,” she said. “We control everything attempting to enter Israeli territory. In effect we guard the whole region – including [major population centers] Nahariya and Acre, so there won’t be a hostile infiltration through the water.”
She knows the importance of setting a personal example of alertness and vigilance, even when her job gets extremely tough. “It makes me understand that if we are not here to keep watch then whole families could be destroyed,” Saidon says. “We are the ones who protect the residents of Nahariya.”
Cpl. Rotem Saidon, Israeli Navy
This ethic of responsibility to others follows soldiers onto the battlefield as well, where sometimes soldiers must make the greatest sacrifice by giving their own lives. One of the most striking examples is with Major Roi Klein. He was a commander in the Golani Brigade during the Second Lebanon War. During a battle in Lebanon, while Maj. Klein was in the middle of treating an injured soldier, Hezbollah terrorists threw a grenade in their direction. He knew there were only two options: save himself or save the lives of his comrades. He jumped on the grenade as he yelled “Shema Israel!” the prayer said right before death. By doing this, he absorbed the blast and was killed on the spot, but in doing so, made it possible for an entire group of soldiers to live.
Each one of the soldiers mentioned here strove to be personal examples. Their stories demonstrate the values of what it means to be a soldier for Israel. They personally took on their tasks and accepted tough responsibilities, whether it meant moving across the world or giving their lives. Their deep understanding of the values of responsibility and being a personal example are the things that allow all inhabitants of Israel to live a normal life even in the face of terror.
0 comments:
Post a Comment