Members of our community, Ted and Amy Kahan, recently invited Laura and me to be their guests at a gala banquet supporting the Friends of the I.D.F. The FIDF initiates and helps support social, educational, cultural and recreational programs and facilities for the young men and women soldiers of Israel who defend the Jewish homeland. The FIDF also provides support for the families of fallen soldiers.

While the food and entertainment were world-class, what made this event so special was the the FIDF sponsored 30 active duty Israeli soldiers to come to the US for two weeks for an opportunity to tour California and experience a little r&r. And how were the Israeli soldiers selected to be a part of this group? Each soldier had to have experienced a loss of a family member, typically a brother or father, in the line of duty.

During the cocktail hour we had a chance to speak with two female soldiers who were visiting California for the first time, and were, in fact, out of Israel for the first time. They were incredibly grateful to FIDF for the chance to leave home and see what a “normal” life was, away from the daily stresses and existential pressures that are life in the army in particular, and life in Israel in general. They both deeply missed their relatives who perished defending Israel, however this did not diminish their resolve to protect the Jewish homeland. In fact, it seemed to me that it strengthened their commitment to our shared national homeland. These young women were articulate, funny, engaging and deeply committed to their job. Both had plans to enter university after completing their military service. We also learned that some of their fellow soldiers were re-enlisting in the army, continuing their tremendous sacrifice beyond their compulsory service. It was truly admirable.

I encourage you to learn more about FIDF and the fine work they do and consider a contribution to this worthy charity. By doing so, you can help those who help keep Israel safe for all Israelis, and ultimately, for the entire Jewish people.

http://www.israelsoldiers.org/

Keith Miller
Hazzan
Director of Education