New Soldiers

It is not surprising that the UN is critical of Israeli soldiers.

It is also no surprise that a leader of the tent protest is a draft dodger.

What is a surprise, however,  

is that in spite of what seems to be constant negative press,

hundreds of young men and women from around the world,

still leave their families to volunteer in the Israeli Defense Forces.

One group of August inductees was treated to a Yom Kef, a Fun Day,

at the Zippori Center at the edge of the Jerusalem Forest.

The pool was a contrast to their  base in the hottest part of the country.

Some of the new soldiers are from Austria, Moscow, South Africa, Ethiopia, 

one attended a private school on the Upper West Side of NYC ,

and three were from the Chabad community in Crown Heights.

They are a very diverse group of young men

who share a common dedication to Israel and its protection.

 

Their officers stayed alert,

but even they were able to relax a bit before the day was over.

Good food and not having to clear your plates were most appreciated.

Israeli soldiers with guns may be the media image,

but for the new soldiers

and not so new soldiers

 cell phones

and smiles were the norm.

After watching a video about the much too short life of

 Michael Levin, z”l,  a lone soldier from Philadelphia, PA,

who was killed in the Second Lebanon War,

the new soldiers changed back into uniform and posed for a group picture.

Even though the party was over,

 there were still plenty of smiles on the way back to the bus.

We wish the 5000 lone soldiers who serve in the IDF a good year

and to all our soldiers…a safe tour of duty!

The Lone Soldier Center in memory of Michael Levin

was started by a group of dedicated volunteers,

many who served as lone soldiers themselves,

after Michael’s death his parents have added their support.

For more information see:  http://lonesoldiercenter.com/

 and 200 more photos on The Real Jerusalem Streets Facebook page.

8 thoughts on “New Soldiers

  • September 6, 2011 at 5:53 pm
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    thanks again, Sharon, for taking these pictures and bringing this story to all of us. May Hashem bless you with good health and strength to continue doing what you do – showing us all the real Jerusalem/Israel streets. Carole

    Reply
  • September 6, 2011 at 7:22 pm
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    Sharon, wonderful post and story. Send it to JPIX!

    Reply
  • September 6, 2011 at 8:57 pm
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    g-d bless our soldiers! thanx for posting!

    Reply
  • September 7, 2011 at 2:13 am
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    how special it really is quite impressive what wonderful young people thank you for sharing

    Reply
  • September 8, 2011 at 2:52 am
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    This is the sort of ‘ selfless youth’ we here in America lack, sad to say..Todah beloved Sarah for these pics…
    Love to you Achoti !

    Reply

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