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Camaraderie Forged in the Crucible

Writer's picture: TGTG

Camaraderie Forged in the Crucible

The auditorium is filled with Israeli soldiers and their families. The soldiers are leadership candidates and have completed one of the most grueling portions of their combat training. They’ve marched all night with heavy loads in a “masah” which roughly translates as “trek.” Each soldier’s name is called out. Each receives strong congratulations from the officers, and an award for completing the grueling test. Families are cheering wildly at the mention of their *son, grandson, nephew, brother. The level of emotion is high. It reminds me of an athletic championship game. Yet these young men are not on a playing field. They’re going to be on a battle field. This is life and death.

During the ceremony an officer addresses the soldiers and their families. “I don’t have to explain the sensitivity of our security situation today. The threats against Israel amplify the importance of these young warriors.”

The feeling of Israel as an extended family is nowhere as touchingly manifested as on this kind of occasion. Israelis of every description and every background, feel they are all one through their young men and *women, who are going all out to defend us all. 

The camaraderie is thick. Lithe, muscular dudes hugging for real. These rugged, hardship-tested soldiers have such affection for each other. It’s unfeigned. Unexaggerated. They’ve forged this heart bond by being stretched again and again, and by reaching high—to a place they’ve never been. And they’re doing it side by side. So when we see them smiling, joking around, teasing each other—we know that they’re still youths in their late teen age years. At the same time they have matured, in the crucible of being pushed to the limit physically and psychologically.

One cannot help but admire them, and be inspired by their example. At 19 years of age, they already possess a seasoned and selfless perspective of maturity.

Now, after the formal ceremony, we’re at a reception in their honor, hosted by the moms and dads. Gifts are flowing. Each “graduate” receives a new back pack, a hoody with their brigade’s insignia, and a framed photo of their unit. All of this is to build loyalty, team, commitment. And it’s working. You can feel it.

To understand the youth of Israel, it is essential to be aware of this experience that permeates all levels of Israeli life since serving in the army is mandatory. Their army service is a time like none other. Many lifetime friendships are formed during these three intense years. Many hundreds of young Israeli believers are among the tens of thousands of youth serving in the Israeli Defense Force. They need our prayers and our gratitude. 

Eitan Shishkoff, Pastor Emeritus

*In Israel mandatory military service applies to men and women. Over recent years women have been increasingly given opportunities for combat service. My gender terminology reflects the fact that I personally have up to this point only experienced a son and a grandson in combat units.

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