I'm on the bus looking out the window, passing miles and miles of desert sand. I have been in Israel for a little over nine months and I recently decided to join the few and proud and go to the Israeli army. My decision to join the army was not particularly hard (I've always wanted an M-16), but the choice of the Israeli army over the American was one that had me -– a 19-year-old American from Los Angeles studying in Israel -- thinking and debating for months.
I think the army is especially smart for many teenagers of my generation. Besides getting into shape (better than signing up to a gym and never going), I think the discipline and self control that you learn in the army is something that cannot be duplicated anywhere else. Before heading off to college, especially in today's campus environment, the more self control I have, the more likely I'll survive it with my values intact.
"But why the Israeli army? Aren't you American?" I have asked myself that question many times. I have always wanted to go to the American army; my entire life I have felt a sense of patriotism to America. It has hosted the Jews for so many years and has treated us with respect. I always thought that I should give a little back.
So I asked myself the famous question, "Am I an American Jew, or a Jewish American? Which comes first?"
I realized that my family has been Jewish a lot longer than they have been American (especially my mom, she's Canadian). My true patriotism should lie in my home country, and looking back far enough, that's Israel. It's my home and it's the home of all the Jews.
That doesn't mean I don't appreciate America and everything the country has done for us. I still love the U.S. with all my heart. But I feel that I should first give to the people that I share a connection with for thousands of years, all the way back to Abraham -- a connection that no other religion or country could ever dream about replicating.
Everyone feels connected to Gilad because he's a member of the larger family.
I am not saying everyone should pack their bags and make aliya, (in fact, after the army I'm planning on going back to Los Angeles), but I do think everyone should do whatever is in their power to help Israel and the people who live there. Because when it comes down to it, they are your real family, and they need us.
Gilad Shalit is a case in point. His kidnapping has struck a chord deep inside me and every Israeli. Everyone feels connected to him because he's a member of the larger family. If, God forbid, it were my brother who was kidnapped, could my life just go on as normal? Well in Israel, Gilad IS everyone's brother. And in the Jewish world at large, he should be everyone's brother too.
There are small ways to help. Instead of your normal Neiman Marcus jewelry, try to find some Israeli artist who can use your help. Give a dollar or two to the different charities that come collecting at your door for Israel. Feel connected to the people here; view them as an extension of your family. That means caring about their welfare and praying for them – especially Gilad and all the soldiers presently in Gaza.
And there are big ways. If you want to enroll in the army, come on over and join me; I'll help you get settled in. And we'll fight the fight for Israel and the Jewish people together.
(42) Joshua, August 18, 2017 3:53 AM
Too old to join idf what else can i do for Israel
I want to fight for God's people but im 37yo to old for the idf is there another way to help make a difference
(41) Joseph, August 14, 2013 1:18 PM
A soldier is a professional
In choosing a profession you often hear a person say: I would like to be a physician but can't stand blood, I would like to be a policeman but I would be afraid of dark hallways etc. Notice those who went into military service thought about it. Not everyone can be a soldier It is a true profession. That is why I oppose a drafted Army. The writers above clearly could. May they be safe.
(40) Anonymous, January 27, 2012 10:29 PM
amazing words.
amazing and moving. as a 25 year old in norcal, I'm going through all of this right now. I just want to get to Israel. I'm too old to volunteer as an American, but once I am a citizen it should be okay.. If you know a way I can get assistance to go asap, i would love to know..
(39) Andrew Roe, October 19, 2011 4:47 PM
Joining the IDF
Hey I am a twenty year old Jewish male convert, I am hoping to go to Israel on a birthright trip this winter, I have been looking into the US. Airforce for some years now and also other branches of the US. Military but recently i have been talking with my brother more about Israel, and what the IDF stands for, and I am thinking that when I go on this trip I am going to try and join the IDF while I am over there. I believe that Though I am converted to Judaism that Jews are as much my family as the rest of my family and I owe Israel far more than I could ever express. I was wondering if anyone had any advice for me or pointers before I arrive in Israel??
(38) BrookeSarah, August 20, 2011 9:29 AM
American or Israeli Army
I am currently having a similar issue to the one you wrote of here. I am an eighteen year old Jewish girl who has been planning on joining the U.S Army for the past two years. I know a lot about the U.S Army and have done so much research. Whoever, I feel a very strong love for Israel and am now having a slight identity crisis because I can't decide whats right for me. I am proud of my Jewish religion and culture, but am not currently fluent in Hebrew though I am trying to learn it. I would love to make Aliyah and fight for the Jewish State. I'm afraid by the time I finished college in the U.S that I would be too old to serve in the IDF, I'd be about 23 or 24. I feel that I connect more strongly with the Zionist beliefs of Israeli Jews than the beliefs of American Jews who seem to be against the Israeli government. I am not sure what to do anymore.
(37) sam, January 28, 2011 3:11 AM
i am 36 andi feel the same way
I think about joining the idf. I know if war broke out I would go and join the idf in a heart beat. I would defend Israel with my last breath
(36) GMC(SW/SCW) Peter M Michelson(Pincus Mendel), March 13, 2010 11:52 PM
To Chose or Not To Chose
After reading all the posts that have been written; Only you my Bravo young menesch can deside. It is a very Honorable one regardless of where or what Country you current live in. As a Career USN Chief who is a Practicing Jew believe me it's a tough choose. Here in the USA we Jews in the Military are a Fraction of the total Military population. Regardless of which you chose you must believe in you Heart, Mind, Soul and Body that you are making the right choose, and can live with the consequence of that chose. You must be totally prepared to face all conditions before you go on your adventure. 1. Prepare yourself both physically, mentally, and culturely. To gain the respect of those in a foriegn Country totally learn all you can about the culture and language. That means knowing how to speak the conversational Hebrew as fluent as you speak English. It is also important to learn all forms of Arabic learning from Arabic speakers of the Country you are going to. Each Arabic Country has the basic form and the Country form; believe me from experience they those Arabs and Muslims you are around will tell you from lissening to you speak where you learned the Arabic you are speaking.
(35) Dylan Riback, November 2, 2009 6:02 AM
I am with you all the way man!
I'm 18, and go to Florida Atlantic University, studying business. But I once studied at Alexander Muss High School in Israel when I was a Junior in High school and ever since then I have felt a burning desire to join the ranks and become an IDF soldier. I have also considered fighting for the Unites States. But I'm not motivated enough to fight in the proxy battles in Afghanistan. I want to join up with my Jewish family, so we can live forever! I plan to study Hebrew next semester, then I may drop out of here and enlist. To fight in the holy land is an honor, and I honor you Yeshia by leaving your family in L.A. To sacrifice the partying, women, and fun of college for the service of our people. But I'm sure to you and now to me, we understand the aliveness in being in a unit. In fighting evil. In stopping radical Islam! I even had a tiny bit of training in Gadna, (The American IDF week program) and I loved it. If God wills it, I will see you one day. -Dylan (18) Jewish Reformed/Conservitive
(34) Sam, August 25, 2008 3:29 AM
join
I am 15 and planning on joining the idf when i am out of high school. I would like to be a medic and serve whatever the full term is for a soldier. I then want to study medicine and become a surgeon through college in Israel.
(33) Anonymous, May 16, 2008 6:42 PM
i want to join the israeli army
i want to join the israeli army very badly. i live in new york. im an orthodox jew going to yeshivah my whole life. after high school i want to learn in israel for 6 months and join the army for 6 to 8 months. is this possible? what is the maximum?
(32) DANIEL SCHOU, June 9, 2007 7:56 PM
I AGREE
I wish i could join you in your fight for israel. But, Im in the U.S. Air Force. Maybe still we`ll fight together some day.
(31) Rachael Maltiel, February 19, 2007 3:02 PM
Good for you- I wish I could be there with you.
I think it is amazing what you are doing and I wish I could be right there besides you in the IDF. I am jealous of you for the opportunity to spend that much time in Israel. I would love to join the IDF after I graduate from college but it is already too late for me to join (even if I dropped out) since females must be under 20 by enlistment date and I would pretty much have to be on a plane tomorrow to meet that requirement. Enjoy your time and thank you for what you are doing for Israel.
(30) Steven Ruisi, January 22, 2007 6:42 AM
I would gladly fight for Israel
As a former USMC sniper and soldier of 10 years, i've seen my share of evil all over the world. I, however, have not seen such an ideology of evil since the days of Adolph hitler! These terrorists will and must be stopped!
(29) ZurielSapir, October 22, 2006 6:01 AM
I've been feeling the very same way.
For the past few months I've felt such a strong call to Israel,especially now after this war with the Hezbollah,it's only gotten stronger.I was born of a orphaned Jewish mother who was raised Christian,I myself was raised Catholic;but the powerful connection to Israel remains.I am the only member of my family that conciders himself Jewish at all & I'm still willing to make every effort,leave everything I have here in the U.S. to serve in the I.D.F.Home is where the heart is,& that home is Israel.
(28) RobertDyer, September 26, 2006 10:05 AM
I would LOVE to join you there but they won't let me
Yeshia, i really admire you for what your doing,especially because i am unable to do it myself. not only am i not jewish,but according to the IDF i am too old to join,eventho i have 8 years experience in the American Infantry. so,go give the sons of mohammid hell for those of us who can't be there. you are a good man and your family should be very proud.
(27) Shawn Espeland, August 10, 2006 12:00 AM
I'm an American but I don't know how to join. Help please.
I may not be an Israeli but I would love to be and my dream would be to serve in there military. If there is anyone out there who can help me fulfill this dream please contact me at barean83@yahoo.com Thank you. Shalom.
(26) Amanda, July 25, 2006 12:00 AM
Prayers
Good luck, and G-d be with you.
(25) Alfred, July 24, 2006 12:00 AM
Requirements for the IDF
Is it necessary for someone to speak Hebrew to join the IDF? Like the Marine's earlier comment, I'm in the National Guard and served active duty in the U.S. Air Force. How would I go about joining the IDF? My thoughts and prayers go out to all the Israeli's in this righteous campaign.
(24) maurifio, July 22, 2006 12:00 AM
joining the IDF
Im a 22 year old american marine, and was wondering how do i join the IDF when my enlistment in the marine corps is up
(23) Tony Mannon, July 14, 2006 12:00 AM
I commend you Yeshia Braverman!
Yeshia:
What an excellent article you have written. After I read it I had to see what else you have on aish.com and saw you have 1 other article. Read it and enjoyed it as well. Back to this current article.... Your struggle on which army to join was thought provoking and your ultimate decision was based on a loyalty that is very well placed. May G_d continue to bless you and keep you. I look forward to reading your future articles.
(22) John V., July 13, 2006 12:00 AM
Our hearts are with you
You're doing the right thing. As a Christian, European Belgian, I want to let you know that I admire people like you, and am proud of the state of Israel and it's struggle to keep going, despite all evil-wishers and do-ers. Stick together, stand together, fight together. Here in Europe, many people are looking at Israel and admiring it's courage and strength, even if it is not always reflected in the statements's our not so beloved rulers make. G_d bless you all.
(21) Richard Funk, July 13, 2006 12:00 AM
Isreal has suffered enough
I support Isreal in this attempt to free these three capture(sorry, kidnapped) soldiers. These terrorists are supplied arms and leadership from syrian crimnals. I only hope that all Jewish decent peoples step up and help finally crushing these murders, rapist, and ungodly animals. Yes animals. They do not want peace. instead they want totally annilation of the jewish state. There is only one way to deal with these animals. Stick to our guns and totally crush them once and for all.....Praise god and the jewish people....
(20) Peter M Michelson (Pincus Mendel), July 13, 2006 12:00 AM
Honoring Pinchas and Kahane
Shalom to All:
I am sadden by our IDF Soilders be taken hostage. It is time for Isreal to do the very right thing and once and for all punish the Arabs for destablizing the region.
I am Proud to be a Jew, support Isreal and IDF. I am a U.S. Navy Gunnersmate First Class Petty officer and would love to go over and join the fight. In the very same way Pinchas and Kahane did to try and bring REAL PEACE to Isreal. It does not matter how old you are as long as you have the will and believe. Our people have been on this planet for over 5800 yrs and its time to show the world the truth behind the Arab lies. Be strong,safe,keep your heads down, and shoot straight.
Shalom to all
(19) Fred Leeds, July 12, 2006 12:00 AM
Our Blessing
You inspire everyone with a love and concern of Israel to be all they can be! I thank you for your bravery, and commitment for doing what is in our heart, and leading by example. Would the IDF take a 51 year old Real Estate Investor?
(18) kevin asher, July 12, 2006 12:00 AM
well done
Achoice has been made by obviously a fine young man.I look at it as a sence of duty and this fellow is keen to meet the obligation to protect the state and ALL her people.There is no deeper meaning, so dont look for it,he is doing what he is doing!I say well done.
(17) Anonymous, July 12, 2006 12:00 AM
May G_d be with you
I think what you did was the right thing, I admire you. Joining the American army does'nt even compare with joining the Israeli army. America is a nice country but protecting Israel is more important. I'm not jewish I think you are a very brave young man
(16) david, July 12, 2006 12:00 AM
i wish
I wish I would've gone to Israel and joined the IDF when I was in my twenties. Now, I'm in my forties and deep in my heart wish I could've served in the Israeli Army. What a great blessing!!
(15) Tonny Schwarzmer, July 11, 2006 12:00 AM
re: anon - r u really helping?
dude, dont ask that. are you serious? you really think the israeli army isnt helping at all? just think of all the terror attacks that they, with HaShem's help have stopped.
even if they saved one life (which is clearly not the case and is WAAAY more than that), then its called "helping."
(14) Glenda Garcia, July 11, 2006 12:00 AM
Good for you!
Wow! What a great testimony of love for Israel! I admire and greatly commend you for your courage to stand and fight literally with Israel, our homeland.
(13) Anonymous, July 10, 2006 12:00 AM
r u really helping israel?
while i appreciate your idealism and mesiras nefesh i dont understand your decision you say you wnat to help your fellow nation but ths past year weve all seen how teh army isnt really helping its citizens. unfortunately, teh goverment haev been making its young soldiers do harder work (even emotionally) than defending its alnd. teh disengagement last year and everything taht went with it is not helping your nation. i haev always wante dto join teh isreali army also but now my desire has changed to volontering in sheirut leumi or in any oterh form taht will relaly help my brothers and not destroy tehir lives...tehre area many sides to "TEH ARMY" AND ONE HAS TO look at all of tehm
(12) Mosheh Wolfish, July 10, 2006 12:00 AM
How/why do you distinguish?
Please explain why putting on a uniform creates a sense of fraternity that did not exist before. Please also explain why that fraternity is more keenly felt towards others in uniform, but not as much to other Jews, such as the expelled of GK, yeshiva students, etc. May the G-d of the Hosts of Yisrael protect you with all Jews, in Israel and all over the world.
(11) Marc Milton-Talbot, July 10, 2006 12:00 AM
Israeli Army a Good Mentor
I had occasion to meet a few young guys who had recently finished their time in the Israeli army while I was holidaying in New Zealand where I live.I was very impressed with their attitude and outlook on life.They were fine ambassadors for their country.
(10) Yehuda, July 10, 2006 12:00 AM
IDF only? Why not aliya also?
I'm glad to hear that an American is coming to join the Israeli Army, an experience I missed due to a low profile. But I hope he is aware of the fact, that unless he claims that the IDF drafted him against his will, there is a good chance that he may lose his American citizenship. No matter the relations between the USA and Israel, as far as American law is concerned, willingly serving in armed forces of any country other than those of the US is against the law - enough to lose the US citizenship. I know - my sister went through the whole proccess when she was drafted into the IDF (just in time for the Yom Kippur war in 1973).
(9) Victoria, July 9, 2006 12:00 AM
Blessed with much Courage and Wisdom
King David and God's Promise
1 Samuel 18 - 2 Samuel 7
As David was a man after Hashem's own heart, so are you Yeshia!
(8) Sherri Lester, July 9, 2006 12:00 AM
true inspiration
Yeshia, I am in awe and truly inspired by your dedication to Israel and your commitment to take action. I am sending blessings for a peaceful and safe experience. Have an awesome adventure.
(7) Jew, July 9, 2006 12:00 AM
DONT BE NAIVE. the idf is a political means and is endangering jews. look whats happenning in SDEROT & ASHKELON!! even if you're in leave immediatley!!
(6) NoAh, July 9, 2006 12:00 AM
Debating about joining the IDF
I like this article, among the many articles on this site. I've been thinking of joining the IDF, i'm interested but my parents would disagree. What's the process of joining the IDF?
(5) Binyamin, July 9, 2006 12:00 AM
Hatzlacha
Dear Yeshaya,
I just read you article. Wish you hatzlacha.
Binyamin Levin.
(4) Chana Levi, July 9, 2006 12:00 AM
Braver Man
You certainly do live up to your last name, Yeshia. As the mother of three sons who went through the IDF (my youngest is still in) and aunt to a nephew who is also going to serve as a volunteer, I enjoyed your article very much. Only one thing I don't understand - why after such an amazing experience, would you want to leave Israel and return to Lala land?
(3) Tonny Schwarzmer, July 9, 2006 12:00 AM
tzahal
"What's an American teenager like me doing signing up to the Israel army?"
because its a mitzvah to save jews' lives and to preserve torah.
"I am not saying everyone should pack their bags and make aliya"
well, you should. you're saying it yourself israel is the place to be. why arent we there yet?
when it comes out in america--buy it! a book called "ki mitorah teitzei tziyyon: eretz yisrael in the parashah" written by my rebbe r' moshe d lichtman. great book; recommended for everybody.
maybe we'll see each other. when you going in?
(2) Leonarfd Shapiro, July 9, 2006 12:00 AM
What a Wonderful Thing
It is wonderful thing when you see a young man from an affluent way of life in the USA to join the IDF.
(1) Andy, July 9, 2006 12:00 AM
a difficult decision indeed..Are you doing what is easiest or what is right?
Yeshia,
You raise a an interesting and controversial issue. Is it admirable to leave the USA during a time of war to enlist elsewhere with the intention of returning to America after completeing service in a foreign army?If an 18 year old Israeli youth who also had American citizenship decided to leave Israel and serve in the US army with plans to return to Israel what do you think would be the reaction of the Israeli public? America is engaged in a war in Iraq and there is a serious shortage of capable recruits. It seems to me that your service is needed in the US military . You grew up in the USA and your intention to return to LA after you complete military service is a decision that makes me question your choice. You state that you are a Jew first.That does not obligate you to serve in the IDF. It appears to me that you are primarily serving yourself first by serving in the IDF.I would guess that the way to best serve both Israel and the USA would be to do your military service in the country were you were born and raised and clearly would benefit from your service, and then move to Israel which I suspect would benefit from your aliyah more than from your military service.That said I can understand your choice and might make the same one if in your situation myself.The majority of young American Jews your age don't choose either option.I believe either one is admirable although as stated I'm uneasy with your choice. If you had no plan to return to live in the USA I might believe differently.May you be blessed to return from your service in peace and good health.