127 IDF recruits from US
From the United with Israel facebook page, posted this morning:
These 127 new immigrants from the USA are on their way to be Israeli soldiers. What a beautiful bunch of brave young men and women! Click LIKE to say ‘thank you’ to the Friends of the IDF and Nefesh b’Nefesh for making this happen!
Thanks to Sam Peleton, who sent the picture along with the note: “These are the young Jews that say F— you Philip Weiss, F— you Alissa Wise, F— you so-called Rabbis of JVP who beg Christians to boycott Jews.”
P.S. On a related note, Tablet lately ran a piece by an American serving in the IDF, Talia Lefkowitz. The piece thoroughly conflated the US and Israel, as she reflected on rocket fire from Gaza:
As I run, trying to get to safety, I flash back to my family’s apartment in Manhattan, or to the house in which I grew up in Maryland. It’s inconceivable to me that something like this could happen there. There would be shock, outrage, even international condemnation. Or maybe such a massive American response that the rocket attacks would finally stop—forever. Instead, I am sure tomorrow’s Facebook page will be filled with more criticism of Israel and more justification for the attacks.
I am a New York City girl who came to Israel to defend the Jewish state. I am proud of my service and of all the remarkable young men I have met who risk their lives every day to keep this country safe. I am the girl in the bunker..
Interestingly, Talia Lefkowitz’s father Jay Lefkowitz served in the Bush II administration as an aide to the president on several issues. Wikipedia lists among his famous quotes: “Deep down, I believe that a little anti-Semitism is a good thing for the Jews – reminds them who they are.” (New York Times Magazine. Feb.12, 1995. Page 65).
Most of these kids were coddled in Jewish summer camps throughout their life and are dedicated to greater Israel, Judea and Samaria, etc.
But they’re going to see another world, be a part of something bigger than themselves. Who better to keep the occupation alive than a cluster of Jewish American teens who can come home and explain their stories of valor to their synagogue members. Explaining what it feels like to use butt end of the rifle on an Arab. And a multitude of other mystical experiences returning to the homeland -Masada sunrise being top on the list.
You’re slipping Phillip-“F— you so-called Rabbis of JVP who beg Christians to boycott Jews.” Is it a subconceous mistake or something else? Remember the story about Eliyah and Baal priest ?
I guess you’ve meant to say “boycott Israel” but something else came out.
Good luck for all those wonderful young people. The bring honor to their families and communities.
Members of Israel’s _____ Brigade woudn’t think of joining the US military so very like Corporal Jeffrey Goldberg and so very unlike Mikey Weinstein, his father, two sons and a daughter-in-law.
Wasn’t US law that a US citizen would forfeit his/her citizenship by serving in a foreign army?
“…I am a New York City girl who came to Israel to defend the Jewish state. I am proud of my service and of all the remarkable young men I have met who risk their lives every day to keep this country safe. I am the girl in the bunker…”
Plus, it’s not actually particularly dangerous, and you are never too far from flush toilets and air conditioning and all the amenities of civilization.
I can see it. Feel like a hero without actually having to go through all that much.