Who is an IDF soldier?

At the tender age of 18, Israeli high school seniors must
begin their three-year stints of compulsory military duty. So
while their peers elsewhere are free to worry about college
and career, IDF soldiers are required to put their own futures
on hold. The army is an Israeli rite of passage that shapes
and defines the young citizen-soldiers, native-born sabras
and olinl chadashim (immigrants), alike through intense
training and meticulous preparation.

A critical component of the IDF curriculum is the unique
doctrine of Toiler Ha-Neshek ("purity of arms"), which is
grounded in the basic ethics and morality of the Jewish
tradition. Thus, while terrorists can strike random targets,
Israel's combat soldiers strive to protect civilians;
significantly increasing the difficulty — and the danger — of
their task.

Defending a narrow sliver of land surrounded by hostile
neighbors means that there is no margin for error — and
failure is not an option. As a result, the stress on these young

IDF combat soldiers is relentless. They have been entrusted
with the sacred task of safeguarding the precious Jewish
homeland — and the pressure can become overwhelming.
That's where the FIDF comes in — to make life a little more
bearable by showing much-needed appreciation, concern,
and love.

"The 'big picture' is that we are a Jewish army in the sense
. but Jews
and protect. not just ourselves
that represent.,
we
all around the world," notes, Reuven. an IDF naval combat
officer. "When we meet people from Endue , Germany,
France, and the U.S., and they say to us You are our heroes!
%0Shat can we do to help?' it really touches us. it helps so
much to know that Jews around the world appreciate what
we do."

Michigan Friends of the
Israel Defense Farces

a Box 999
Wal ed Lake, N ,8390
48-203-2060

The IDF Soldiers... have been entrusted
with the sacred task of safeguarding the
precious Jewish Homeland... The stress is
Meld1 1 the pressure ovenvheirning