metro
New Perspective
FIDF supporter visits IDF soldiers
protecting Israel.
Rick Bloom
Special to the Jewish News
I
recently returned from a trip to Israel, where I've
frequently traveled. Every time I visit, I'm reminded
how special the country is and how lucky I am to go
there. This latest trip provided an entirely new perspec-
tive, however.
As a supporter of the Friends of the IDF (FIDF), I was
fortunate enough to visit a few military bases and to meet
the troops. On the border between Israel and Egypt, I met
a unique group of women from a battalion in the south.
These 18- to 20-year-old young soldiers volunteer to serve
in a front-line combat unit to defend Israel's southern
border. I was amazed as they described what they do.
With their M-16s, these young women venture out into
the desert at night in full combat gear, dig a hole and stay
there under cover for up to 12 hours. It doesn't matter
whether it is bitterly cold or oppressively hot. They simply
do whatever is necessary to protect the border.
When I expressed my gratitude and admiration to them
for defending Israel and the Jewish people, their answer
to me was: "It's our honor to serve in the IDF." There's no
better definition of bravery.
I also went to an IDF Combat
Engineer base, where my nephew,
Menachem Romand, serves as a
Lone Soldier (those who immigrate
to Israel without immediate fam-
ily in Israel and serve in the IDF).
Rick Bloom visited female combat soldiers on Israel's southern border.
Combat engineers are amongst
the first soldiers sent into battle.
Their job is to clear minefields and
soldiers remain a deep source of pride for all of us.
Through the Friends of the IDF's IMPACT! Scholarship
other explosive devices, leading the way for the tanks and
troops. Combat engineers also were some of the soldiers
program, I've had the privilege to sponsor combat soldiers
who blew up the tunnels in Gaza this past summer.
as they pursue their education. I have also sponsored
When I asked some of these young soldiers if they were
other projects through the FIDE I have met and gotten to
apprehensive as they went into Gaza, their answer was
know these students, and I can honestly say that no mat-
no. They told me they knew when they went into battle
ter how much I give, I get much more in return.
that they were not going in alone — they knew the entire
As Americans, we can take pride in our military, know-
Jewish world was behind them.
ing it is a force for good and that it protects our way of life
One thing I've learned from my many trips to Israel is
and the free world. As Jews we can also take pride in the
that its people are what make it a remarkable country.
IDF, knowing it is the one force that protects the freedom
When I meet the young men and women who defend
of Jews worldwide.
Israel and the Jewish people, it is a further reminder what
Rick Bloom lives in West Bloomfield. For more information, visit
a great country Israel is, that it can produce people of
www.fidtorg.
such caliber. The dedication and commitment of Israel's
❑
Deciding About College?
Young Judaea's Israel gap-year was a life-changing
decision for me on many levels.
0
ne of the key years of my life happened the year
near Tel Aviv in apartments with other participants.
after high school. Instead of going straight to
You take engaging college-level courses, including
college, I went to Israel with Young Judaea Year
Hebrew, and meet with local Israelis while volunteer-
Course. I took college-accredited courses, volunteered in
ing. Additionally, there are specialty tracks offering
Israeli schools, formed lasting friendships and realized my
additional opportunities in the arts, business, medical,
deep passion for Israel.
music, sports and tiyulim (hikes).
After returning home to attend the
Initially, I was terrified to go on Young Judaea
University of Michigan, my passion for Israel
Year Course. I did not attend the Young Judaea
grew. I developed a strong interest in dialogue
summer camps and knew virtually no one
amongst all residents of Israel and its surround-
going. However, my fears vanished within the
ing areas through my activism with Hillel and
first few days. There is a week-long orientation,
as a facilitator for the campus' Arab-Jewish
which creates time for everyone in your section
Dialogue.
to recognize and befriend one another.
Once I graduated, I decided to move back to
The only stress I had on the program was
Israel. I now live in Jerusalem, where I work full
planning my weekends and keeping my per-
time as a researcher at the Menachem Begin
sonal blog updated (a definite must-not read
Heritage Center. I also volunteer regularly with
— my family can testify to that!). The course
Jess ica
Ta'ayush, an organization that accompanies
assignments
were interactive and encouraged
Cur han
Palestinian farmers and shepherds to their
self-reflection.
This was a year full of experien-
Comm entary
lands in the South Hebron Hills and helps them
tial and informal learning.
stand up for their rights.
I was also concerned about starting college a year after
The path I am on now is a direct result of my participa-
most of my friends. Looking back, I am thrilled I didn't let
tion in Young Judaea Year Course. I am incredibly thankful.
this fear prevent me from taking part in this life-changing
experience.
What Is Year Course?
Upon returning to college, I chose to skip the dorms
Young Judaea Year Course is a post high-school, nine-
and immediately lived in off-campus housing. It was great
month "gap-year" program. You live in Jerusalem and
reconnecting with my friends from home and also intro-
18
February 26 • 2015
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Detroiters on Young Judaea Year Course 2009-2010:
Yoni Buckman (formerly of West Bloomfield), Miki
Levran and Erez Brandvain, both of Farmington Hills;
Nathan Chesterman of Huntington Woods and Jessica
Curhan of West Bloomfield. All were on Year Course
except for Brandvain.
ducing them to some of my Young Judaea Year Course
friends, who also attended U-M.
The 27 college credits I earned on Young Judaea Year
Course went toward my major in Judaic studies and
double-minor in moral and political philosophy and com-
munity action and social change. With these credits, I was
able to graduate the same time as my friends from my high
school class.
At 23, I am proud to be an alumna of Young Judaea Year
Course. I encourage high school seniors to check out this
opportunity that could potentially change their lives as
well.
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For more information and an application, go to http://bit.
1W1kLuiza.