OUT OF THE ASHES

Encouraged by the government back in the late 60’s and early 70’s to settle and develop Gush Katif, the settlers’ ideology and faith gave them the momentum to make the region blossom. They were so connected to the land itself, that they simply couldn’t imagine living anywhere else. When their communities were destroyed, completely crushed and dismantled, they relied on that same ideology and strength of character to persevere, rebuild and still radiate a warmth that only those from such small towns and villages can radiate.

Simcha’s youngest son, 23 year old Gilead,  has been serving in the IDF for three years and five months. Since his father had been murdered on army duty he was exempt from serving in a fighting unit and his mother had to sign a special document in order for him to do so.

“From the time I was recruited, I was determined to join a “fighting”  unit but  wanted something different, something a little harder, more challenging. I was taught, from an early age, that one has a personal responsibility and moral obligation to serve his/her country, and felt I had the necessary abilities.

In order to be accepted into a special unit it is necessary to go through a tough “selection” process, both mentally and, in particular, physically. This process includes the ability to withstand stressful situations,  both as an individual and in groups. You need to go through a lot of intense training in preparation for these selections.

After the “selection” I was accepted into the “Maglan” unit which is a commando unit in the ground forces and which specializes in special missions during wartime. The task involves a combination of ground forces, motor vehicles and collaboration with the airforce. After successfully completing an officer’s course I have been  commanding a team of  26  combat soldiers for the last six months.

The “Maglan” unit is named after a bird with the same name. An exceptionally versatile bird which can fly long distances and get along in almost any habitat,  it can exist on a wide variety of food and lives near sources of water. Like it’s human counterpart, with the ability to cope in most conditions and locations: land, sea and air.

After serving for two years in the unit, I was accepted to an officer’s course in order to become an officer in the “Maglan”.  I became an officer for the same reasons as those for which I joined a special unit – I wanted to give more than the mandatory army duty. In addition I was singled out my superiors as capable of commanding a team.

The day-to-day work includes lots of training, special assignments and arrests of “wanted” terrorists/collaborators mostly in Judea and Samaria. In addition, waiting and training for the time when we will be ready for necessary action. There are two phrases which describe our unit: “Silent and sure” and “tomorrow war”.

Our unit has been awarded with many  of the army’s most prestigious medals for past operations in wars such as the “2^nd Lebanese” and “Iron Dome.”

The type of  boys who are recruited to our unit stand out compared to others. It is made up with soldiers from all types of backgrounds and belief systems . The common factor which unites them  is the desire to give the utmost of which they are capable.  That is why, after completing the long and arduous training course (a year and two months), we are all the best of friends, irrespective of ideologies. We meet often socially, spend weekends together and go on joint trips.

Compared to other armies, in the IDF the most compelling need is defense - because it is our families and friends who will be harmed if we don’t do our job. The feeling of closeness to the people who are the most important to us is the strongest motivation for the path we have chosen”.