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 nun Arra notiumu nutionnta 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. ❑ For more information and an application, go to http://bit. 1W1kLuiza.