By Tom Brennan
How to express your gratitude to the IDF.
They will be coming home soon, perhaps for a while, perhaps for a longer time. Until Israel’s enemies learn that Israel will not surrender or weaken, the IDF will be ready. Israel’s brave defenders will come home and return to base to rest, retrain and re-equip. Well done, all of you!
You might ask at this point, why should a Christian who doesn’t live in Israel support its right to exist and its people? All the events of the Bible have originated from a landscape and place called Israel. That land was promised to Abraham and his descendants by the Almighty. Repetitively and clearly, the Bible states that Jerusalem is His holy city, Jerusalem is in Israel. Jesus was born, lived and taught and died in Israel. He was resurrected and ascended to heaven from Israel and He will return “in like manner” to the same place, in glory. The IDF protects Israel and its peoples. If you were visiting Gaza, would Hamas protect you the way that Iron Dome protects all Israel’s citizens with no regard to religion, or nationality? No asks for an id at the bomb shelter when the alarm sounds.
The peoples of Israel are Jewish, Christian Arabs, Muslims and clergy of many branches of Christianity. The IDF protects them, their right to observe their faith and enjoy the benefit of living in the only free country in the Middle East. Daily the IDF faces the dangers of a fanatical and determined group of enemies with common goal: exterminate Israel and its citizens. Each day persecutions and murders of Christians in other countries are increasing; Israel is the last outpost of real civilization. The IDF is its guardian. We Christians owe them a real debt of genuine gratitude.
As operations still continue many citizens are bringing gifts of food items, clothing and other kindnesses to staging areas along the front some have even attempted to enter the operations area to visit friend or family deployed there. The IDF has issued a memorandum that has stated they are updating regulations for gifts to IDF soldiers. Unfortunately the generosity has led to some confusion. The staging areas and theatre of war are combat areas and civilians really need to stay clear. Also some food items can spoil and cause illness. Civilians in combat areas put an extra burden on combat troops. The IDF includes all citizens of Israel from different religious viewpoints and cultures. To ensure equality and avoid any hint of favoritism the IDF command has specified that only two groups be authorized to distribute gifts to the troops, The LIBI Fund and the Soldiers’ Welfare Association are officially designated to provide non-regulation items to troops. While soldiers are on duty or deployed it’s best to make donations to them for fair distribution and selection of items in need. Right now they are trying to acquire headlamps for the troops fighting in the Hamas tunnels. LIBI can buy in bulk and get better prices.
After the troops return it’s time for personal “thank you’s”. Small personal items a soldier can carry or wear, items that fit any regulations, will help the soldier remember why they’re fighting. Even the hardiest and bravest soldier can feel tired and lonely. A memento of caring can help with morale. In the near future a smartphone app, called “Pakal” will be used to communicate directly with IDF and reserves to keep them up to date on schedules, duty hours, certain training materials and social media. IDF soldiers will be able to receive “thank you’s” and greetings.
As Christians we have a stake in Israel’s survival. The Land was given by G_d to Abraham’s descendants and many of us are “grafted in” members of the tribes. We thank G_d for the brave soldiers, airmen and sailors who protect The Land.
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