The Israel Defense Forces (IDF; Which is the acronyms of the Israeli Defense Forces), commonly referred to by the Hebrew-language acronym Tzahal, are the combined military forces of Israel, consisting of three branches: the Ground Forces, the Air Force, and the Navy. Remember the name DEFENSE Forces not attacking forces, not starting a war, not invader, not conquering army. The IDF's mission as mentioned in its mission statement is to "defend the existence, territorial integrity and sovereignty of the state of Israel. To protect the inhabitants of Israel and to combat all forms of terrorism which threaten the daily life."
The IDF was established on May 26th, 1948, when David Ben-Gurion (The first prime minister of Israel) gave an order to officially set up the IDF, in contrast to the conscription forces existing before the establishment of the state of Israel.
When the IDF was established the Israeli Independence War has already started, May 15th , 1948, during which the IDF got organized while fighting great battles like the one in Latroon on the way to Jerusalem against the Jordanians, the battle over Jerusalem, battle over the Negev, Be’er Sheva and Eilat against the Egyptians and the Saudis, and many more.
Till today the Israeli army is considered the strongest most advanced army in the middle east.
But what really makes the IDF so unique is its soldiers.
An Israeli soldier fights to make sure his/her parents, sisters, brothers, grandparents, husbands, wives, friends, and neighbors are and will remain safe and free.
They go to the army with determination and a sense of a holy mission to make sure that all his loved ones and their loved ones are safe.
An Israeli soldier goes into the allies of any city be it of an Arab Muslim tradition, which are practically his enemies and maybe will try to kill him/her, and they will help a child that lost his mother go home, they will help an old man carry his shopping and cross the street, he will see a little kitten and pick it up, and he will share his last sandwich with a hungry boy or girl and give them candies.
Core values of the IDF
- Defense of the State, its Citizens, and its Residents
- Love of the Homeland and Loyalty to the Country
- Human Dignity
The Israeli soldier is compassionate, caring, and dignified as well as brave, he/she will go on any mission to protect its country.
The soldiers, doctors and specialists of the IDF will also be the first ones at any scene to assist in any disaster areas, Haiti, Turkey, Ukraine, earthquakes, floods, typhoons, Hurricanes, war zones, and refugees (even when they are from an enemy country like Syria), you will find our olive uniform there, or sometimes in civilian clothes, with their smiling compassionate faces and the best equipment and supply to save lives.
An Israeli soldier serves his/her country with their heart, compassion, and care. They will defend their country with dignity and love and let’s not start talking about comradery, that’s for another day.
Just as a side note, do you know that the IDF is unique amongst the militaries of the world due to its regulated recruitment of women since day one of its formation.
Remember what I wrote, in the beginning, it was the Israeli Defense Forces, when it was established, the Israeli government wanted the world to understand that this army was established for Defense purposes and that is what it is till today, Israel needs to defend itself from enemies all around it, therefore Israeli soldiers always go on a mission with conviction and passion to protect their country and their loved ones.
As the American soldiers always fight for freedom and peace all over the world, the Israeli Soldier fights to have the same peace and freedom in their own country.
Israel and the USA have the same missions in their people’s hearts, Peace, Happiness, Freedom, and Joy all over.
The American national Anthem in one of its parts says:
“Oh, thus be it ever, when freemen shall stand
Between their loved home and the war's desolation!
Blest with victory and peace, may the heaven-rescued land
Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation!”
In its second part the Israeli Anthem says (Literal Translation from Hebrew):
Our hope is not yet lost,
The hope of two thousand years,
To be a free nation in our land,
The land of Zion and Jerusalem.
More than similar ideas it is a similar way of living.
Both countries send their soldiers to fight for freedom and peace.
Let us remember the fallen and celebrate their lives and strive to reach to peace and freedom worldwide.
