10 | AUGUST 26 • 2021 al and multilateral associations with players in the region. The same, of course, is true also for Greece and Cyprus, and other forces in Europe who are cogni- zant of the peril. ISRAEL ’S ROLE Obviously, Israel cannot be the arbiter in intra-Muslim conflicts — but nor is it a bystander. We have a vested interest in stem- ming the tide of both Sunni and Shiite radicalism, and in prov- ing our utility to our partners across the region, from the UAE to Morocco. Israeli diplomacy should place the cementing of these bonds near the top of its priorities, alongside the (relat- ed) Iranian question. Military actions in the context of Israel’s so-called “campaign between wars” are also part of the equa- tion, both in terms of their impact on the adversary and of their message to our friends. The same is true for the way in which Israel deals with Hamas rule in Gaza, which until Kabul fell was the only area in the region under the uncontested rule of an Islamist regime. Practical solutions to the humanitarian problems in the Gaza Strip, and a tough negotiation to retrieve the hostages and the bodies of our soldiers, are one thing. A political license for Hamas to appear as the victor in the ideological struggle with the non-Islamist variant of Palestinian nationalism (i.e., the Palestinian Authority) is anoth- er matter. In close coordination with Egypt, such an outcome must be avoided, even at the risk of resumed hostilities. Ultimately, it may be in Lebanon — and in action against Iran — that Israel’s abili- ty to turn the tide will be tested. There is nothing we can do about Afghanistan, nor is there any prospect of reversing the course of events there. But our actions closer to home will send a message. These would be decisions driven by other considerations, and ultimately determined by the rate of progress of Iran’s military nuclear project. But at the same time, in other aspects of Israeli policy, the possible impact of the dark days that lie ahead should be considered. First and foremost, inten- sive intelligence sharing with like-minded forces, and infor- mational cooperation in stem- ming the spread of the Islamist creed (in a war of ideas fought daily in the social networks) should be a key element of the joint regional and international response. The stakes are high, and the time to prepare is now. IDF Col. (res.) Dr. Lerman is vice president of the Jerusalem Institute for Strategic Studies. He held senior posts in IDF Military Intelligence for more than 20 years. This article was first published by the Jerusalem Institute for Strategic Studies. letters Thank You, Friends of the IDF Supporters I was so grateful for the incredible honor of being chosen as the 2021 FIDF Women of Valor Honoree. The first time I went to Israel was in 1977. While on a bus ride from Haifa to the Golan Heights, soldiers came on our bus making sure everyone was safe. For them, they were just doing something totally routine. But for me, it gave me this total sense of safety and security. It was a wonderful feeling knowing we were protected. I loved that and have never forgotten! I am grateful to live in a country where Jews can still feel relatively safe, even with the rise of antisemitism and dark political currents. However, I suspect, that’s how German Jews felt before the war. But what they didn’t have — and we do — is the State of Israel. Israel is our homeland. It’s a place of last resort for Jews in distress, and we have a duty to protect Israel and her citizens. That’s why supporting the young women and men of the IDF resonates so strongly with me. They are watching over the State of Israel, and I greatly admire them. They not only learn to survive, but to excel, under the harshest conditions, and mature into the next generation of strong Israeli citizens and leaders. Many of these soldiers come from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds and cannot afford the cost of higher education once they finish their army service. FIDF’s IMPACT Scholarship program provides four years of advanced education to qualifying combat and combat support soldiers who have completed their military service and cannot afford the cost of higher education. My late husband, Robert, and I shared a passion for education. The FIDF IMPACT Scholarship program provides educational opportunities for IDF soldiers that changes the trajectory of their life. I feel they are changing Israel’s trajectory. Education will help Israel grow its next generation of leaders, invent technology that will drive the economy and develop expertise that will keep the nation safe. I am honored to support the heroic veterans of the IDF through the IMPACT Scholarship program and help them achieve their dreams. Thank you to all my friends, family and Friends of the IDF (FIDF) supporters. — Bluma Schechter Bloomfield Hills Bluma Schechter and her family. PURELY COMMENTARY continued from page 8