The Israel Defense Forces (IDF), founded in 1948, is the military force of the State of Israel. It exists to defend the Jewish state, protect Israel’s citizens, and thwart the evil plans of enemies who attempt to disrupt daily life within Israel. Thus far, the IDF has successfully defended Israel from destruction in six major wars.
Every Israeli citizen is required to serve in the IDF at the age of 18, women for two years, and men for three. After completing this required service, each soldier is assigned to a reserve unit and may serve until they are 51.
The values of the IDF, instilled in each solider during every level of training, are the preservation of the State of Israel and the protection of human life. Contrary to the way the IDF is often falsely portrayed in the media, the IDF works to protect the dignity and worth of every innocent person in a conflict—even if it increases the risk to IDF soldiers.
For example, in the 2014 conflict with Gaza (and the most recent May 2021 conflict), which began as a result of Hamas’s incessant rocket fire at Israeli civilians, the IDF aimed to destroy Hamas’s terrorist infrastructure including their tunnel network. But the IDF took extraordinary efforts to protect Gazan civilians and warn them of impending strikes– including dropping leaflets in Arabic, calling Gazans, sending texts, and other efforts to avoid civilian casualties. Such extraordinary measures to ensure the safety of civilians in a combat zone are unprecedented in human history.
The IDF goes above and beyond to protect life. And even we as non-Israelis are indebted to the IDF for their selfless service in combating the same enemies which would seek to do harm to Britain, America and the West.
Thank you IDF, for protecting Israel, for showing compassion to your enemies and for defending the West from threats in the Middle East.
This year, we want to do more to bless Israel and the Jewish people.
We know that as we bless Israel this year, God will bless us, just as He promised in Genesis 12:3, “I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.” Now is the time to bless Israel and the Jewish people.
