The following is a personal story. It may be a story about me but it truly reflects the story of us.
1990
My first IDF call-up notice arrives.
On Volunteerism
Determined to volunteer in a unit that accepts only volunteers, I started my service as a hopeful Air Force pilot cadet. Due to a medical condition, I was reassigned to a non-combat position. Determined that I could do more, that I could be more, I fought my way back into a combat unit. Assigned to the armored corps, I served in my tank, in jeeps, and on foot.
Gaza, Hebron, border patrols, and the security zone in Lebanon.
On Unity
We went from grappling with the minutiae of Jewish texts to debating universal issues, from our expansive Yeshiva's hall to the claustrophobic confines of our tank.
We held the arguments face to face, but the missions we accomplished shoulder to shoulder.
1996
My first call-up as a reservist.
On Volunteerism
I felt an urge to begin the mandatory reserves with a volunteering spirit. I walked up to the desk to report.
“Hineini,” I said to the recruitment officer. “Here I am.”
“Go home,” he commanded. “I can't recruit you. It hasn't been a full year since your release. However, if you would like to, you can sign up to volunteer…”
And so, I sighed in resign, but I signed with pleasure.
On Unity
I record our reservist's conversations in a journal. Kobi, the Yemini leftist high-techie; Haim, the Romanian right-wing secularist; and Moti, the Moroccan religious centralist. What conversations! What arguments! Words, messages, and phrases that only brothers-in-arms can use.
Can hear.
Can understand.
We held the conversations man to man. The duties we carried out soul to soul.
2005
My first emergency call-up order.
The disengagement from Gaza.
On Volunteerism
The nation is split. I am split. How do you choose between bad and bad? Do I answer the call? Will my army buddies answer the call?
Quietly, the officers give the unofficial directive. Anybody who wants to not show up should do just that. For me, it is inconceivable that I not be part of my unit’s emergency call-up. Over %100 show up as well.
After all, we sometimes fight against one another, but we always fight alongside each other.
On Unity
Who is more right and who is wiser?
The exchanges were a meeting of the minds of many, but the assignments we did with the mind of one.
2006
My second emergency call-up.
The Second Lebanon War.
On Volunteerism
The orders catch me on my way to the airport. Our family is going to the USA for vacation. According to law, I am exempt.
“Are you insane?!” I shout at my commanding officer. “And who will protect our home? Who will protect you?”
Apparently, I am fated to volunteer even for non-voluntary call-ups.
On Unity
How do we defeat the enemy? How much force should we use?
As civilians, each one of us outranks the chief of staff. As soldiers, each one of us is a civilian.
In our opinions, we are divided. In action, we are united.
2012
We've reached the age to be released from the reserves.
On Volunteerism
My commanding officer takes me to the side.
“You know, instead of permanent release, perhaps, maybe you want to...?”
“To volunteer?” I ask. My joy, and answer, you already know. “And what's the mission?”
“You are a soldier, but also a tour educator. Be a role model. Educate the new reservists. Teach the heritage.”
And so I fought... and I taught.
On Unity
On tour with the new recruits, I bring our ancestors’ values and heroism to life. We discuss Gamla and Masada. The ancient and modern fuse.
We are they, and they are we.
Not only are we united as soldiers of the present, we are at oneness with the warriors of the past.
2014
The army decides to retire our entire tank division.
On Volunteerism
With no place to fight, it is time to go home.
But I can’t. Our wars are not over.
I call my friend who heads a special unit in the north.
“Do you have the training?” he asks.
“No,” I respond.
“Do you have the background?”
“Nope.
“Are you willing?” he questions.
“Yes.”
“You’re in!” he concludes.
On Unity
The motto of the armored corps is “The person in the tank will be victorious!” They may have taken my tank away, but they still have me, and I them.
2016-2020
On Volunteerism
My stint in the north ends, as does my military service.
So I volunteer with the local police until their budget cuts terminate our unit.
My boys, now men, continue the tradition. I am so proud. They serve in volunteer-only combat positions.
On Unity
My boys, now men, pick up where I left off, as I did from those before me. I am so honored.
Here too, we are they, and they are we.
October 7th, 2023
Israel is at war. Again.
On Volunteerism
Israel is at war.
I have no tank. No gun. No unit.
But I still have my spirit.
I volunteer to fight in Israel's media war.
As I write these words, the war is still far from over.
The fighting is not done, and therefore, neither am I.
I volunteered to fight and I will fight to volunteer.
I will do whatever I can.
God’s first question to first Man was “Ayeka? Where are you?”
This is God’s question to all of us.
I, for one, continue to give my answer: “Heneini! Here I am!”
On Unity
Israel is at war.
We will be victorious because there is no other home.
There is no other choice.
There is no other “Other.”
There is only “Us.”
We are one.
Shoulder-to-shoulder.
Soul-to-soul.
With one mind.
United.
Together.
Oneness.
AS ONE, WE WILL WIN!
Very proud of you and your sons and family. Stay strong we pray for your and their safety. God Bless
Your reflection and stance brought tears to my eyes. Thank you. -Lori from Colorado
We'll be marching in Washington on Tuesday, speaking up, joining the media war, thinking of you.
As always Josh...Right on the money. Such inspiring words. We absolutely will win because of our values, morals and certainly spirit.