My son came home from Gaza just a few minutes ago. He came home as we had sent him off, only more tired, worn and dirty. Thank you God for bringing him home. To his wife, his brothers and sisters and his loving brood of nieces and nephews. All of us have been waiting patiently these past three weeks to hold him in our arms.
Barely able to wait to embrace him, I ran across the highway where his ride had dropped him off. I grabbed him in the middle of the road and cars driving into my settlement had to veer around this sight of me standing on tiptoes reaching for my tall, handsome son's face. The drivers waved at us. A few rolled down heir windows to say "todah -- thank you" to my son. I whispered todah again to God.
I helped him toss his heavy bags into the trunk of the car. The heaviest among them being the one weighted down with foodstuffs that Israel's citizens sent to our soldiers. Tens of thousands of kilograms of food poured into the bases in the south. Cartons upon cartons of instant soups, nuts, pretzels, cookies and nosh of every kind. All sent by individuals, families, schools and businesses from throughout the country. We could barely lift his 'booty' and we both shared a laugh as we flung it onto the back seat.
The words that had been in my heart for so long melted on my tongue. My eyes drank him in, tall, bearded now, and his face and soul a bit darker than before he left us that Sunday morning. His presence was all that I had prayed for each day since he packed his bags and left before the sun even rose that cold morning.
I pulled in front of his apartment, a few kilometers from my home, and as we descended the steps I heard him speak gently and lovingly with his wife at work, telling her how anxious he was to see her. He turned on the boiler and laughingly told me, "I'm not getting out of this shower for the next hour." The bags fell to the floor and he leaned against the kitchen counter to untie his boots, swiftly flinging them aside and letting his bare feet rest on the tile floor. He was exhausted and I hesitated to start with the barrage of questions that had been streaming through my head every day, every hour for these past few weeks.
He smiled as he opened the bag of goodies and told me about the elementary school children from Mevasseret Zion who had attached notes with their gifts. He spoke with three of them to thank them personally. One child wrote a three page letter and the soldiers in my son's unit were grateful to learn more of this 8-year-old's daily life, his favorite subjects and his fondness for playstation. When they called to speak with him, the boy was overwhelmed and kept calling them "gibborim" heroes.
This was a war that was guided by the Hand of God. Everyday we felt His presence."
"Ima," he said, "I'm tired now, but I have to tell you how extraordinary this nation is. The children who wrote to us, the people who sent their good wishes with their packages of food, the businesses that sent truckloads of goods. The soldiers I served with, each one caring deeply about the other one. The IDF who made sure that we were well trained and well equipped for our mission. But mostly, mostly, this was a war that was guided by the Hand of God. Everyday we felt His presence -- whether deciding to enter a building by smashing down the back wall rather than entering through the front door, only to discover that the front door had been booby trapped, or searching rooms in a house and uncovering a tunnel under a bed we had lifted where tens of Hamas terrorists were hiding in the hopes of kidnapping one of us, or dozens more stories."
I looked at this child's face and saw the extraordinary young man he had become. Filled with faith. Feeling a passion for those values that have held this nation together for thousands of years. And, his very presence. His very modesty. His deep felt pride at being part of this nation. All of this wrapped around my heart and left me humbled.
Humbled and grateful.
"And I will lift up my eyes unto the mountains, from where my strength will come."
(46) Anonymous, January 13, 2020 4:23 PM
Tears of gratitude
Yasher koach to the author of this article. You write so beautifully i literally felt as if i were standing there beside you both. Your son's message as well as your own struck me deeply. I could/can not hold back the tears; for the mother, the son, the soldiers of the IDF, Am Yisrael,. And Hashem. Todah rabba!
(45) brendon, October 18, 2012 6:50 AM
I LOVE ISRAEL PEOPLE !!! GOD BLESSES THIS COUNTRY FOREVER !!!!
(44) richelle, February 3, 2009 9:20 PM
Thankyou
your son is my son,and thankyou for sharing this with the world.Bless you,bless him.
(43) Boris, January 31, 2009 11:47 AM
G-d bless Israel.G-d save our chilgren.
My son is solgier of IDF but only 3 months. I understand Ilene. G-D save our children.
(42) Kathi, January 28, 2009 7:42 PM
From one mom to another
My heart goes out to you as one mom to another. I live in America. I too have a son. He is 17, but plans to go into the US MARINES as soon as he graduates from high school. He wants to fight the good fight and has even said, if need be, he'd come and fight with the IDF as well. We as mom's love our kids so much, but how much more does G-d love them? We need to have faith and know that G-d holds them, and us,in His hands. Bless you, your son, and your family. With love, Kathi
(41) sjhepner, January 28, 2009 1:19 PM
Guarding Israel
Well done Lions of Israel! He, who guards Israel neither slumbers or sleeps.. WE WERE WITH YOU ALL , ALL THE TIME IN OUR PRAYERS, HOPES AND THOUGHTS FOR ALL iSRAELS SAFETY...
(40) Mireille Mechoullam, January 28, 2009 10:48 AM
Our Heros
G-d bless Israel forever. G-d bless our soldiers forever. G-d bless all thoose people who know what a soldier go thru and find a small way to thank them.
(39) Anonymous, January 28, 2009 7:38 AM
Thank you Hashem for watching over our children.
I read your letter and cried with relief for you and all the other families who sent amazing young men, no longer children to fight in this war. I pray you will never have to do this again.
(38) Ida, January 27, 2009 5:00 AM
Be glad that your son is safely home. I am from Holland.
(37) Evelyn, January 26, 2009 6:06 PM
Hi Ev. I hope you enjoy this article. Love, Simmi
(36) Leah, January 26, 2009 11:01 AM
I am so PROUD of them all, I live in Argentina but all the same I felt as if I were over there, those people in the south had been suffering for such a long time, and now that everything is over, unluckily I think that just for a while, I want to thank all those parents, brothers, sisters, wives, children who had been so nice to the soldiers and who now can enjoy their presence again, ENJOY them, thank G´d theu are back home!!!!!!! THANK YOU
(35) Miriam, January 26, 2009 7:53 AM
And let there be PEACE for ALL God's people, Whatever their religious beliefs, or the color of their skin.
(34) Ioanna, January 26, 2009 7:42 AM
A story from a mothers heart
My son is a lonely soldier in Israel right now, and it could have been me writing this story, thanks.
(33) MIZU Vicky, January 26, 2009 12:14 AM
Thank you God for ,bringing them back home
I thank God from the bottom of my haert that I am able to read that this soldier is back home...I have no family and these young men, they are like family to me. I pray God that one day we will be able to live in peace.
(32) Barry Mandel, January 25, 2009 10:40 PM
Joel would have been very proud of his son serving in the IDF and bringing honor to his family and his people. There is no question that the love Joel had for Eretz Yisrael has shown through in his son's accomplishments and dedication to Am Yisrael and Medinat Yisrael. Kol HaKavod to the Bloch and Levy family for raising children who put their lives on the line for Jews throughout the world, especially in Eretz Yisrael.
(31) Damon, January 25, 2009 5:45 PM
thanks for the touching story
I am happy you and your son are ok because of God. How do you explain how you feel when something touches you so much? Maybe what I just said is an explanation of how I feel.
(30) shula aizer, January 25, 2009 4:17 PM
Ki lo yanum ve lo yeeshan Shomer Israel
Please Hashem watch over our people, our nation and our children.
(29) Hannah Tova, January 25, 2009 4:17 PM
I know how you feel, Ilene. I never realised how heartfelt a sentence could be uttered from my innermost being as when I said, Baruch HaShem!" when hearing in the middle of the night that my son-in-law was on his way home. To You will I lift up my eyes, O You who are enthroned in the Heavens!
(28) Anonymous, January 25, 2009 4:15 PM
I hear "Hamas" I hear hate. I hear "Israel" I hear hope. I am Australian, non Jewish I have friends in Israel who believe in Peace and harmony for all. I am always heartwarmed by their humour and smiles, their love and care and their always positive outlook. Shalom
(27) Rebecca, January 25, 2009 3:11 PM
God bless Israel!
I live in Germany but my relatives and friends live in Israel.Every minute during these three weeks I prayed for our children and soldiers who were fighting for their ,for our country.Praying for the parents, wives waiting for their childrens and husbands coming back home healthy.My heart is there, in Israel.
(26) Anonymous, January 25, 2009 3:07 PM
Tears of joy
Thank youfor sharing your story. It is goog to give thanks to the Lord and declare His faithfulness. We share in your joy and in your son's renewed faith in the Almighty's protective hand.
(25) Annie Johnson, January 25, 2009 2:55 PM
God Bless Israel
God bless Israel and all the IDF fighters. You did a super job, and your country can be truly proud of you. I pray that the Canadians, will be as proud of their fighting men as Israelis are of theirs. Unfortunately we have too many do gooders in the country and the press, to point out how valuable men and women like you really are.
(24) mijal, January 25, 2009 1:04 PM
Excelent article!!
Hi, im very proud of your son and of every soldier that went to war giving their lives for us! May you have alot of simchas with your family always and with acadosh baruj hu! Regards from America!
(23) Sarah, January 25, 2009 10:37 AM
Thank you
What else can we say, but thank you from the bottom of our hearts? Thank you to Hashem, thank you to your son, and thank you to all our soldiers. And thank you for sharing your story!
(22) loes vd noort, January 25, 2009 9:53 AM
Keep on praying and thanking for HIS BLESSINGS
HIS help is unbelivable, if we pray for protection and A govnerment that is filled with wisdom from above. I also pray for a abundance of rain GERSHEM like never before thank you GOD from loes Holland.
(21) Danuta Landsberger, January 25, 2009 9:46 AM
God bless Israel and her children!Our lives,wherever we live,depend on your existence!Todah from the bottom of our hearts
(20) Trish, January 25, 2009 8:43 AM
Blessed Indeed!
I have prayed every day and night for Israel. I live in America and I thank God for His continued blessings on Israel. I support this nation 100% and when I visited back in 2007 I completely fell in love with this wonder people! I pray that Gilad Shilit will come home very soon!
(19) Stormin, January 25, 2009 7:45 AM
CONGRATULATIONS ISRAEL
Well done Israel, I have written to your Ambassador in London and told him of the 100% support we have for the way Israel is dealing with the Hamas problem. 2 things in life Arabs hold sacred, their god and wealth. Arabs will only react against Hamas if their wealth (Houses / Shops) is taken away from them. Perhaps the Palestians will think again about giving safe haven to terrorist groups firing rockets into Israel ? Kind regards. Stormin
(18) Joseph, January 25, 2009 6:58 AM
Todah
Todah to the son's of Israel who sacrificed their lives daily to fight for the country they have seen grow up with them.....I live in Canada and I'm non Jewish but have prayed for the IDF daily and still pray for Amir Ben Yamina, may he also be brought home to his family. Amir's name was sent to me from the office of Rabbi Kook, Rehovot. If anyone knows about his well being I would like to know. Shalom my Gibborim
(17) Jacqui, January 25, 2009 6:49 AM
Are there sufficient words of thanks??
How do you express your gratitude to the soldiers of Israel for protecting all Jews around the world?? There are no words. I live in South Africa and davened constantly - together with all Jews here, to keep 'our boys' safe. We said tehillim and sent money to Israel. Please, give your beautiful, wonderful, precious son a HUGE hug from us all. He is not even aware, that so far away, there are people who care so deeply for our 'boys' and felt your pain when your sons were away. The tears of joy are streaming down my face when I read of his return. Baruch Hashem. Thank you soldiers and G-d Bless you all the days of your lives.
(16) Anonymous, January 24, 2009 8:06 PM
Hashem loves us all
As i pray almost every night for the soldiers of Israel your son's safety proves Hashem is watching. He was blessed and protected by Hashem's hand. I'm glad to see he is safe. I hope Hashem continues to bless your family and the brave soldiers who are fighting for Israel
(15) Michal Lake Tahoe, January 24, 2009 12:59 PM
Yes amazing
The power of prayers from all over the world fulfilled. The tears won't stop coming. As much as I cried of the tragedy of everyone who died, suddenly, the tears shift to a deep feeling that most of our prayers were answered. And we are all grateful:)
(14) Debora, January 24, 2009 11:05 AM
Blessings...
Your son is home. It is nice to hear some feedback... IDF soldiers are really gibborim (heroes)!
(13) Elisheva, January 23, 2009 7:23 PM
Todah for sharing this beautiful story
Todah for sharing such a beautiful story. We are blessed to have people like your son. Praise be to Abba for his many blessings he gives his children who walk in his Torah.
(12) JG, January 23, 2009 3:43 PM
Heroes
Thankyou for sharing this moving article - truly your son, and those brave men he served with, are 'gibborim'. It is because of people like your son that Israel will never lose its spirit and its hope, no matter how many hostile nations we face.
(11) Ernie P. Puiruela, January 23, 2009 1:06 PM
"maraming salamat" "thank you very much" IDF soldiers. God is so great He bring you back home. We will continue praying for the peace of Jerusalem and for the whole Israel. Blessed is He who listens to our prayers...
(10) Beverley Pekema, January 23, 2009 3:47 AM
Amen, amen & amen
Thank you, thank you God for being with these soldiers, each and every one.
(9) res, January 22, 2009 11:18 PM
God is faithful to His promises.I thank God coz He hears our prayer for IDF soldiers protection and families in Israel.We pray for the peace of Jerusalem and the nation of Israel.God be with you always...
(8) tehila, January 22, 2009 11:14 PM
thank you
i am filled with gratitude to your son for his honorable service and to you for sharing this with us. your beautifully written article moved me to tears. thank you.
(7) chaya, January 22, 2009 11:52 AM
Thank you
Thank you, Ms. Bloch-Levy for giving those of us in chutz l'Aretz a glimpse of what it has been like for you. Thank you to your brave, brave son and his equally brave comrades. And thank you Hashem for bringing most of the soldiers home. For the ones we've lost, I pray that techiat hameitim arrives imminently and all the loved ones are reunited b'simcha and b'shalom.
(6) Raffi, January 22, 2009 11:24 AM
Felt the same way in Iraq
I felt the exact same way in Iraq when I was deployed there for the past 15 months. I am only now going through the 500 letters I received when I was over there from every imaginable school, shul or Mishpacha. When one gets over 25 menorah's for Chanuka it makes you think that we are not too far away from Yemai Mashiach. I'm a little tired from my campaign, but not one day goes by that I wish I was not amongst the giborim of the IDF. Huah SPC Karan, Raphael 2 BDE, 3ID - garryowen!
(5) malka, January 22, 2009 10:11 AM
hand of g-d
tears fill my eyes as i type these words. clearly there was "yad hashem" hand of g-d watching over all of israel as he does everyday. god protected your son and choice som special ones to be closer to him. May we merit the comingof moshiach and ultimate good days real soon.
(4) Jamie, January 22, 2009 9:54 AM
Thank You!
With profound admiration and gratitude, Jews around the world thank you for your dedication and service.
(3) Cindy, January 22, 2009 8:57 AM
I'm also crying
Ilene - Thank you for sharing this. And from across the ocean I'll add my gratitude and admiration for the unsung heroes - the families of the soldiers waiting and praying for their love ones to return home safely. May Hashem bless your families with only simchas.
(2) Leah Carmel, January 22, 2009 7:42 AM
Thank G-d for the IDF
I thank G-d your son and all the other sons and daughters came home safe. And I pray for those who didn't.
(1) Miriam, January 22, 2009 7:34 AM
I''m crying reading this. Your son and his comrades truly are Gibborim -- heroes-- in the highest sense of the word. The entire Jewish People''s gratitude to him is endless, but only Hashem can truly repay him.