By Tom Brennan
There is no army or defense organization quite like the IDF, Israel Defense Forces. If General Robert E. Lee thought he was outnumbered, he never had to fight like the IDF has had to from 1948 right up to this morning. The strength of the IDF is in the boots on the ground (and on the joystick of F16’s and F-15’s and the wheel of its ships above and below the water). With few exceptions allowed, all Israelis, Sabras and the immigrants are required to serve their country by defending their soil. This is nation-building, bonding and relationship establishing all in one. There are approximately 5,700 soldiers in the IDF who fit the lone soldier profile. These are recent immigrants, sons and daughters of immigrants who have themselves recently arrived and volunteers from religious groups such as Haredim whose families object to their service.
The lone soldiers are often at a disadvantage since families are often still far away and all soldiers are sent on leave for r&r. This is where the opportunity to build a family and social relationships in Israel comes in and often times charities are there to help.The founding of the State in Israel began the calling back to The Land of families scattered to the four corners of the world by countless deportations, exiles, inquisitions and more recently a nightmare called “Holocaust”. Families found each other again in a place they called their own and they still come. Family identity and strength is a hallmark of this society. For whatever reason there may be the Lone Soldier is not to be forgotten. Some families, including Christians in Israel open their homes and hearts to these men and women and celebrate Shabbat with a dinner, comfortable rooms and gifts that show appreciation for their dedication and service.
Charities such as the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews and Friends of the Israeli Defense Forces regularly make gifts of support that benefit these soldiers. The Albert Owensby Lone Soldier Program hosts a unique sponsorship program for soldiers. IDF soldiers are posted to camps and duty areas and receive support at their base. But they are required to take regular leave and the Lone Soldiers are without family or the families have yet to immigrate and a morale crisis sets in. This fund provide a regular gift of $100 rental allowance along with support for food and a small allowance so the soldier can find a place and establish a familiar place to return to when on leave. It’s not family but a sense of community, friendships and networking can begin that keeps the soldier connected to the people and The Land they serve and protect. The program lets those who sponsor the soldier “adopt” him or her and a relationship develops.
Why should Christians consider supporting the IDF and especially the Lone Soldiers? “I was a stranger” and you took me in. The Messiah taught this on a hillside one day. He was repeating the Torah, transcribed by Moses that instructs us in how we are to behave towards one another. When the Israelites left Egypt they were not the only ones who followed the cloud by day and fire by night. Others who had served as laborers, other non-Egyptians, joined the long train of tribes. At Sinai the rule was set, coming along meant following the rules. Then you were considered as part of the camp, even if not the tribe. If you were part of the camp you were protected and received the necessities for life. The history of Abraham and the desert-dwellers and nomads was one of hospitality that exists even in the Bedouin camps today. After all, men have entertained angels in the guise of other men and the rewards were beyond their expectations.
Realistically speaking there are some bridges to mend as well between Christians and Jews, no doubt there. Acts of kindness with no ulterior motive are one good way to make friends. Showing unconditional friendship and concern for someone in a particular need is a very Biblical way to demonstrate faith. As with any charitable donation it’s best to check out the organization’s reputation and performance before donating. Wise stewardship is expected. Lone Soldiers are friends yet to be met.
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