This week, many headlines reported protests involving Israeli soldiers.
Anyone who is not a frequent visitor to the Old City
might have missed what has become a regular event in Jerusalem.
Near the Kotel, in the Western Wall Plaza,
the IDF holds swearing-in ceremonies for soldiers.
Soldiers of the Golani Brigade were sworn in last Thursday
and smart supporters knew to arrive early to get a good spot.
Hundreds of young men
and young women participated.
Joining with the hundreds of young Israelis were lone soldiers
from the Ukraine, France, Brazil and Venezuela,
Nevada and New York, Baltimore and Los Angeles in the USA.
Before the ceremony began,
over 40 lone soldiers were treated to a delicious dinner
sponsored by the Lone Soldier Center in memory of Michael Levin.
As at most Israeli gatherings, food is a central feature,
but lone soldiers do not have the families to bring them treats to eat.
Lined up and ready to go,
hundreds of soldiers filled the tunnel near the Kotel.
Inside the tunnel a group of soldiers started singing,
“Mi Mesugal” Division 13… can do it.”
Finally it was time to start…how did we find anyone before cellphones?
As the young soldiers marched in
the plaza was packed with thousands of spectators,
as family and friends
and visitors all tried
to see
and photograph the newest graduating soldiers of the IDF.
The Israeli flags flew and the flame burned brightly.
Congratulations and thanks go out to all those who serve.
Yes…I am biased to the Golani Brigade and lone soldiers,
as my two sons served as lone soldiers in the Golani Brigade
and just typing these words brings tears to my eyes.
Along with the parents of last week’s inductees,
we are filled with pride and concern.
Wouldn’t it be wonderful if the next generation
would not have to be called to serve in the army?
If you have a minute check out this video of the singing
and many more photos from the dinner and tekes, ceremony can be found here:
http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.317574261618719.72742.152997821409698&type=3&l=6fc61249f3
http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.317592001616945.72744.152997821409698&type=3&l=f96033cff6
Amen and Amen to your closing sentence!!
Wonderful!
Thanks!
lovely pics! I especially love pics of the army young men. I have one son that just finished 3 yrs. in the army. one daughter currentlly there. another son will join in the summer. the last pics was especially touching, a dad with his smilling son.
So you certainly understand the pride and concern.
The last pic was actually an uncle and nephew, but I also thought it was an “especially touching” pic, thanks.
Beautiful! An Army tekes at the Kotel is one of the most moving “only in Israel” experiences.
I was in Israel in ’92 and saw the swearing in ceremony at the kotel. Then we went to Ben Yehuda for some refreshments. In the cafe where we sat, were about 75 beautful young soldiers who had their rifles resting on the backs of the chairs. It occurred to me that in the US – I could never sit comfortably with so many young people with rifles near by. But here, in our holy Israel, we could sit as tourists and enjoy the coffee, not being afraid.
We are so blessed to have such brave, committed and beautiful young people serve our country.
Beautiful comment Toby! Thank you. After the ceremony young soldiers were in the restaurants all around the area.
Around ’92 in Athens, there were soldiers in the airport armed with rifles and I was not comfortable.
Ok, you win. I always think that I am a bit of a noodge when I write. I get carried away but YOU did it this time to me.
Just the sight of our beautiful, young “sons” gathering together to swear allegiance to our country brings tears to my eyes.
You showed the apprehension on faces of beautiful Israeli men and women, the mixing of cultures and colors, all blended together with one purpose to protect our land and its people. How can we not love them and pray for their safety.
Your photo of the green light on walls and arches reflecting on the proud green berets of our children is beautiful as well.
My daughters were in the army and my son in the navy and I will never forget the sigh of relief and “todah HaShem” when they walked safely through the door at weekends. Their jokes and laughter with family and friends around the Friday night supper table and the pride, and respect the country has for our young soldiers who all play their part serving our beautiful Israel.
We thank them.
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