I wish I could thank each one of you individually because every single of one of you has given more to our people in a few years of army service than many of us do in a lifetime. Since I can’t, I would like to give you a heartfelt tribute by sharing the inspiring story of one of our many Israeli heroes, Izzy Ezagui, the one-armed Israeli combat soldier who now speaks all over the world for the Friends of the Israeli Defense Force.
Izzy grew up in Florida and visited Israel for the first time on a Birthright trip in 2006. He began thinking of serving in the IDF and said: “As a young Jewish person growing up in the States, you learn Jewish history and honestly, I looked at it as a privilege to do something for the Jewish people.”
Izzy moved to Israel with his family in August 2007 at the age of 19 and enlisted right away. A few weeks after Operation Cast Led broke out in 2008, he was guarding the Israeli-Gaza border when a mortar shell hit him and ripped his left arm off. But Izzy refused to allow his injury to stop him from returning to the IDF: “If it was up to the doctors, I would still be on those drugs. But I decided from day one I wanted to go back to the army and back to combat.”
But the army thought Izzy’s idea of returning to combat was insane. “The army told me I couldn't come back. They didn’t want any part in my crazy dream.”
Fortunately, General Yoav Galant, who became IDF Chief of Staff, was the head of Israel’s Southern Command when Izzy was injured and the general visited Izzy in the hospital. “The first thing I told him was that I wanted to go back to the army and to combat. It was the same thing I told all the generals and politicians who came to visit, but he was the only one who said okay.”
Izzy stayed in touch with the general during the six months that he spent in New York for rehab. He taught himself how to shoot with one arm, climb ropes and do pushups. Galant then helped him return to the IDF where Izzy served in the Givati Brigade. Today Izzy speaks for the Friends of the IDF and spends time with Birthright groups, hoping to pass on his own passion for the Jewish people to the next generation.
On Yom Hazikaron, I think of the immense power of Izzy’s passion and courage. Through tears, I pray for the soldiers who have fallen and for those of you who are still fighting. I see flashes of young faces and surreal funerals. I remember hearing your laughter as you talked to your friends on the bus and hearing your heart-rending cries as you sobbed at your brother’s funeral.
Maybe that is why our nation is silent when the siren echoes across the land. There are no words that could possibly hold the heartbreak and gratitude of a nation all in one breath. So instead we stand together in silence and let the siren hold us for a moment that seems so long yet somehow not long enough. Not long enough to say thank you.
So thank you for the sleepless nights you spend guarding us. For the early mornings you spend training to defend us. Thank you for running through shadows and across endless deserts. Thank you for flying our fighter jets and for driving our tanks. For standing on the front lines of countless battles and for guarding lonely outposts in the middle of the night.
Thank you for being a model of goodness for the rest of the world. For being a light unto the nations and showing others what a true Jewish army looks like. For your kindness and your menstchlekeit. For reaching your hand out to the weak and helping up the fallen. For sacrificing for each other in ways big and small. For staying true to what you believe in despite horrific challenges. For all this and so much more: Thank you.
Extend your thanks to Israeli soldiers in the comment section below.
(22) Ted Hekkenberg, September 4, 2018 12:35 PM
One Small Step For Man One Giant Step For Mankind
I would like to thank the entire Israeli Defence Force. You see, I don't think Israel really knows just how important they really are. Should the unforseen happen and Israel fail, the likelihood the entire planet would fall into spiritual darkness - would be a fact waiting to happen. It is of the utmost importance to all freedom loving nations and peoples who love life, truth, liberty, the dignity of mankind, peace and the preservation of everything that is good, & all that is just pure, lovely and right - that the nation of Israel prosper, grow, and attain to its greatest heights. It is paramount to the peace of the world every Jewish child, family, mother and person is to live in peace. With this in mind, we all need to honour, uplift, bless, pray for, send gifts, and proclaim words of encouragement to the soldiers and their families of the Israeli Defence Force. Our freedom that we so much enjoy is a result of Israel holding in check the forces of evil. If Israel suffers - we all suffer. Our destiny and future hope lies in the peace, prosperity and wellbeing of every Jewish person and the wellbeing of the Nation of Israel. The IDF is keeping our wellbeing by being on the forefront of the battle against tyranny and the forces of evil. Every nation needs to bless Israel for their own betterment, peace and prosperity. The promise made to Abraham is true and right today as it was when God first made it to Abraham. I will bless them that bless you. May favour, love, kindness, peace, prosperity, goodness, adundance and kindness fill and overflow the Land of Israel.
(21) Alice, May 13, 2017 6:35 PM
None more brave than our Israel men & women
When the. world would wake up & find peace & Love
We each should be able to enjoy their worship as they wish
What a wonderful world G -D has given us yet so many will not stop & smell the Roses
(20) Anonymous, May 6, 2017 6:35 PM
Thank You
There are no words other than the ones written in the above article that could say what I feel through my tears any better than the brilliant author wrote them. Thank you. Baruch Hashem Peace.
(19) Joseph Apicella, May 1, 2017 9:45 PM
The Secret of the IDF
The secret of the IDF is that they defend Israel. If I joined the National Guard in the USA I would have to defend Iraq and Afghanistan. There are professional soldiers who do this .. Volunteers-not so many..
(18) Tzvi, May 1, 2017 6:46 PM
Freedom Is NOT FREE!!!!
Thanking a soldier, whether active duty or veteran- can make an impact bigger than imaginable. I once thanked a Vietnam War veteran while waiting to check out in a store. He replied by saying that since he got back from Vietnam, I was only the 3rd person to thank him. Such a great ZECHUS. Yet in the last 40 years- only 2 others thought to show HaKaras HaTov. The upshot of my story- 2 WORDS can bring light to someone who nearly gave his life for freedom. To all soldiers and veterans of both the United States and Israeli military- THANK YOU!!!!!!!
(17) MESA, May 1, 2017 1:28 PM
To all of our soldiers who have fought and died for Eretz Yisrael and to all the civilians who were murdered by terrorists, you are all kedoshim and my family and I will never forget you. To all the soldiers still serving, may Hashem watch over you. Thank you all for everything you've done and are doing for Klal Yisrael.
(16) Marcia Wagner, May 1, 2017 12:13 PM
A wonderful piece that reminds us that many soldiers are maimed, as well as killed.
The juxtaposition of Yom HaZikaron and Yom HaAtzmaut sends a singular message that without the sacrifice of our soldiers there would be no State.
(15) Suzy, May 1, 2017 3:38 AM
Thank You, Brave Chayalim!
May H' bless you and keep you safe from all harm. We love you and are so proud of you for all you do to protect our precious People in our holy Land of Israel. Chazak v'Ametz!
(14) Anonymous, May 1, 2017 1:50 AM
TODAH RABAH
To all the IDF, IAF, & INF, Police, Mossad and other security services men and women
TODAH RABAH seems so inadequite - but please know that it comes from the bottom of our hearts!
We pray daily for your safety!
With love and (imagenary) hugs to all! Shalom aleichem!
from New Zealand
(13) Lisa Weber, May 1, 2017 1:35 AM
Mi K'Amcha Yisrael!
YOU are OUR sons, our brothers, our fathers, our uncles, our daughters, our nieces, our sisters, our mothers...
As a mother of a former IDF combat Lone Soldier, I can only share the thanks, the pride, the depth and debt of gratitude for all the efforts, on behalf of klal yisrael!
(12) Anonymous, April 30, 2017 10:24 PM
Thank you
Thank you from the mother of a lone soldier.
(11) Rick, April 30, 2017 9:02 PM
Thank you for your service .
thank you for your service and keeping Our country save and secure
(10) Crystal Rivera Santini, April 30, 2017 4:18 PM
IDF is the Best Army in the World
These young people who serve in the IDF are the best trained in the world . I am so proud of them all!..
(9) Leah, April 30, 2017 4:02 PM
Thank You
Sometimes words don't seem adequate to express the gratitude to all the Israeli soldiers for their service and commitment, but please know that it is deeply appreciated.
(8) Shlomo Noren, April 30, 2017 3:59 PM
deep felt thanks
gulp....I fought back tears reading your article and do wish to extend a heartfelt thanks to present, former and future IDF personnel, no matter what position, for all the work they do daily to defend Israel against domestic and foreign threats, as well as all the humanitarian deeds they do that go partially unnnoticed.
(7) Debbie Striks, April 30, 2017 3:51 PM
I agree whole heartedly!
Sara Debbie, thank you for expressing your thanks to all the Israeli soldiers! I am with you 100 percent. May Hashem bless and protect them in all their efforts on our behalf.
(6) Judy Hymowitz, April 30, 2017 3:49 PM
4 yrs ago the highlight of our trip to Israel was meeting young Israeli soldiers in training. We planned to return 2 years ago, but my husband was diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer.
We support Israel every way possible! Thank you!
Sarah, April 30, 2017 6:00 PM
May G'd send him soon a speedy recovery!
(5) charles richman, April 30, 2017 3:48 PM
Yom Hazikaron
Yom Hazikaron: 1 May 2017 (5 Iyar)
May G-D bless the valiant IDF, IAF, & INF men and women who daily risk all to protect the lives and welfare of the citizens of Eretz Yisrael.
May G-D be their shield and their shelter and may shalom become everlasting. Fill the hearts of all Eretz Yisrael with faith and courage to thwart their too numerous enemies.
May we never forget those Israelis who lost their lives to defend Eretz Yisrael and may their souls rest in everlasting peace. Eternal and compassionate G-D whose mercy fills the earth our prayers turn to all those we have lost and to their loved ones. Keep their pure souls shining brightly throughout YOUR creation, sheltered firmly beneath YOUR Wings. May we always honor those who served and who have ascended to Heaven; their lives will be an everlasting inspiration to us all. May they rest in peace among all the righteous of this earth.
For those who have been wounded we give thanks for their return and prayers for their complete healing and we give our undying gratitude for those who comfort others. Dear G-D, return Israel’s gallant men and women in uniform speedily to their loved ones, alive and unharmed; as it is written.
May there be true peace in Eretz Yisrael fulfilling the prophecy: “Nation shall not lift up sword against another nation, nor shall they learn war anymore”.
Amen
Charles L. Richman, PhD
Veteran, US Army Paratrooper Officer
(4) Charles Cooke, April 30, 2017 2:53 PM
Thank you so much for your selfless contribution to the State‼️ May it not be required in the future✌️‼️
(3) Fred M Kramer, April 30, 2017 2:18 PM
I am so very p68roud of you!
At seventy, I can serve with you only in spirit. In 1968 Vietnam, when leaving our unit, we would tell each other to "Watch Your Back!!" It is still very true.
(2) Joy, April 30, 2017 2:04 PM
A mothers thanks.
As the mother of a lone soldier I am grateful for the heartfelt wishes on this special day. Our admiration for our son Dovid and his commitment to his country and people know no bounds. We pray for the safety of all our soldiers and their families. May they all go from strength to strength.
(1) Anthony Berlein, April 30, 2017 1:37 PM
IDF Soldiers are defenders for mankind
If Israel were to fall, then the World would fall too. Thank you to all of the IDF soldiers for their courage, bravery and sacrifice.
Anonymous, May 1, 2017 1:52 AM
SO TRUE!!!
@Anthony Berlein - That is so true! If Israel were to fall, the world would fall too! I always say that the IDF not only protects Israel - they protect all of us, all over the world!