The SPIRIT Program

if Of.
lur
uk; i den t ity ca c— it;
flirt should stand as the foundation of all of the a,. ti
I every IDF soldier, on regular or reserve duty. The Spirit
the IDF and the guidelines ofoperation resulting from it
e the ethical code of the IDE

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The Spirit of the IDF will be applied by the OF, its soldiers,
its officers, its units and corps to shape their mode of
action. They will behave, educate and evaluate themselves
and others according to the Spirit of the IDE

IDF soldiers face incredibly harsh conditions on a daily
basis. They are in motion at all hours of the day and night,
continually on alert, and always on the ready for whatever
new challenges each passing hour may bring. This constant
need for vigilance often precipitates severe mental, emotion-
al, and sometimes even physical stress — which, in turn, can
cause even the strongest young men and women to feel that
they are "burnt out."

"My battalion spends a lot of time in the Gaza strip. We're
always on the move. We don't get much sleep," explains
Jeremy, a staff sergeant with the Givati Brigade. "Each day
we are told where to go and what to do. The pressure is
unbelievable! When you get to go to Ashkelon for some R &
R, it's absolutely amazing: You get to sleep; you get to do
what you want when you want. You find yourself smiling —
even laughing. Your spirits are lifted...

"It's very comforting [to know]
that we are not doing what we're
doing by ourselves; that we have
partners on the other side of the
ocean who are connected to us
and care about us."

"This year, unfortunately, as soon as we got to Ashkelon
things heated up in Gaza. Most of us either had to go back
— or ended up going from funeral to funeral. Still, even a day
or two there makes a huge difference. It tells us that we are
not doing what we're doing by ourselves — that we have partners
on the other side of the ocean who are connected to us and
care about us... It's very comforting."

With a keen awareness that its soldiers are one of Israel's
most precious assets — as well as the nation's long-range
future — the FIDF strives in its annual operational plans to
include one week of rejuvenation for each battalion and other
combat units. Experience has shown that a few days of
physical and emotional renewal in a care-free environment is
critical to maintaining morale. It also reminds the soldiers
that their heroic hard work and sacrifices are appreciated.
They can then return to their demanding routines with spirits
restored and strength renewed.

Each R&R center is fully equipped with lodging and dining
facilities, swimming pools, fitness rooms, and other amenities
for the soldiers to enjoy.

Michigan Friends of the
Israel Defense Forces

P.O. Box 999
Walled Lake, MI 48390
248-203-2060