Responsibility
and the drive to set a personal example are fundamental values in the
Israel Defense Forces. Just as every soldier has to play an active role
in defending the country, its citizens and inhabitants, soldiers are
also responsible for setting a shining example of motivation,
perseverance and morality.
When theState of Israel was founded in 1948, the surrounding countries invaded in an attempt to destroy the new state. That was the primary reason for founding the Israel Defense Forces.
Unfortunately, the story is not much different today. The IDF is still
tasked with preserving Israel’s existence, while also constituting a
role model to civilians - a symbol of safety and security.
It is an idea deeply ingrained in Israel’s youth, for those who grew up
in Israel and those who choose to move here from abroad.
Such is the case for, Corporal Mauricio Glucksmann,
an immigrant originally from Caracas, Venezuela. In his country of
birth, he witnessed much violence and tragedy. When he came to Israel,
however, he finally felt safe. “No matter where I was, I felt safe when I
saw an IDF soldier” he recalls. “That was why I decided to become one
of those soldiers who could provide that type of comfort.”
Pvt. Mauricio Glucksmann
For
some, taking on the responsibility of being a soldier hits very close
to home. Many Israelis know someone who was killed or injured in war or
terrorist attacks. Such is the case with Corporal Rotem Saidon.
When terrorists from Lebanon raided the Israeli northern coastal city
of Nahariya, Cpl. Rotem Saidon’s relatives were among the victims.
Her
family’s history personally affects her role as a Command and Control
Center operator for the Israel Navy. “We watch the maritime border in
every way possible, using radars and cameras,” she said. “We control
everything attempting to enter Israeli territory. In effect we guard the
whole region – including [major population centers] Nahariya and Acre,
so there won’t be a hostile infiltration through the water.”
She
knows the importance of setting a personal example of alertness and
vigilance, even when her job gets extremely tough. “It makes me
understand that if we are not here to keep watch then whole families
could be destroyed,” Saidon says. “We are the ones who protect the
residents of Nahariya.”
Cpl. Rotem Saidon, Israeli Navy
This
ethic of responsibility to others follows soldiers onto the battlefield
as well, where sometimes soldiers must make the greatest sacrifice by
giving their own lives. One of the most striking examples is with Major Roi Klein.
He was a commander in the Golani Brigade during the Second Lebanon War.
During a battle in Lebanon, while Maj. Klein was in the middle of
treating an injured soldier, Hezbollah terrorists threw a grenade in
their direction. He knew there were only two options: save himself or
save the lives of his comrades. He jumped on the grenade as he yelled
“Shema Israel!” the prayer said right before death. By doing this, he
absorbed the blast and was killed on the spot, but in doing so, made it
possible for an entire group of soldiers to live.
Each
one of the soldiers mentioned here strove to be personal examples.
Their stories demonstrate the values of what it means to be a soldier
for Israel. They personally took on their tasks and accepted tough
responsibilities, whether it meant moving across the world or giving
their lives. Their deep understanding of the values of responsibility
and being a personal example are the things that allow all inhabitants
of Israel to live a normal life even in the face of terror.
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