GRANDMA'S ARMY AT WAR

 

Six-and-a-haIf years ago I began to write a blog “Grandma’s Army”, as I had seven grandchildren serving in the army at the same time.  Little did I dream that today, that number would jump to seven + ten, Apart from two in the regular army, all the rest are in the Reserves.

Both of my sons, who are over 60 years-old, are in army uniform again. They have volunteered to drive army trucks for transport purposes all over the country, after taking a special driving course. Since I began this blog, Azriel and his wife have returned to live in their home on the moshav. They had been evacuated since the beginning of the war, since their home is in the “Gaza envelope”.

Azriel has four children and one son-in-law in the army since the beginning. His officer daughter, Adi was called up to the War room of the Gaza Brigade on the second day of the war:

“When the first Givati ground forces of the regular army entered Gaza, I knew that my fiancé, Hillel, was amongst them serving as an officer in the Givati Brigade. When news of the wounded and killed was received in the War Room, I had to carry on with my job there, not knowing the names of the soldiers killed. It was a terrible situation. I read a few psalms and hoped for the best. After a few nerve-wracking hours I heard that he was alright, thank God. After this first incident, I hesitated as to whether I could continue to serve in the War room, when I knew that the Givati Brigade  would be inside Gaza Strip for a long time (so far almost four months). I decided it would be even harder to remain at home and do nothing.”

Adi’s oldest brother, Yair, is directing a Remote Piloted Aircraft (RPA’s) to assist ground forces fighting in Gaza. Every RPA covers one particular brigade which receives specific instructions to assist them in their present mission, and to warn them of any possible dangers. He works so closely with the commanders and soldiers on the ground, that warm personal relationships have been established between them.

Another Reservist brother, Shai, who belongs to the Golani Brigade, has been fighting up North. “In the beginning we were posted to the Golan Heights and worked with the security alert crews in the settlements. At present, we are carrying out  patrols and security missions in the area.”

Their youngest brother, Memi, has been in the army for eight years and is a Major in the Shaldag commandos. He was shot twice in one arm while fighting Hamas terrorists who had infiltrated into  kibbutz Kfar Aza on October 7^th. After an operation and ongoing rehabilitation, his arm is still unable to function. He has since returned to the army as a coordinator between special forces, commandos, and combat teams.

All five children, who have young families,  live in the “Gaza envelope” and have been evacuated since the war began. They are ready to return to their homes but, so far, there are no facilities for working mothers.