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Sunday, June 1, 2014

Do you have a handkerchief handy?

About a week after Yom HaAtzmaut (Israel Independence Day), someone sent me a link to the video below.  I found it quite moving.  

Among other things, it teaches us about the role that the military plays in Israeli society.  In Israel, military service has long been the great equalizer.  Many kids grow up eager to serve, and they look forward to serving in particular units.  The video talks about young people with special needs, and efforts to expose them to the military as a way of integrating them into the broader society.   

The army's commitment to this program tells us a lot about Israel and its aspirations.  The video reminds us that, although Israel is a country, and although it has grown greatly during the past few decades, it can sometimes feel like a village.   

I hope you find the video as enlightening as I did.   




(If clicking on the picture does not activate the video, click here.)