[RBS] A moving message from an Israeli soldier who took part in Amud Anan

[Phil'n'Chanie Rosenfelder]

----- Original Message -----
A moving message from an Israeli soldier who took part in  Operation Pillar
of Defense


It's nearly 3 AM, the cease fire was announced 30 hours ago, I've been home
for 7 hours already, but I'm still restless. I cannot sleep. The thoughts
and feelings fill my mind...
              I was called in from my studies to help my brigade prepare for
the ground entrance to the Gaza Strip as part of operation Pillar of
Defense. I spent a week in the field, since last Friday. Although we didn't
go in, I returned home full of strength.
            I had the privilege to be out in the field and see true unity
amongst Am Yisrael and an army not only strong militarily but strong in
spirit.
            I met worked with many soldiers and commanders, all with deep
faith that we are doing the right thing. I saw hundreds of soldiers dance
hugged in a huge circle, singing "Am Yisrael Chai" and "the nation of
eternity isn't afraid of a long journey". I saw commanders draw power and
faith out of this amazing scene.
            Under my command were a few reserve soldiers, all 10 years older
than me and more. They were part of tens of thousands that enlisted to their
units until the enlistment count stood at 120% percent. Doctors, students,
fathers, high-tech engineers, meat sellers – they all came from all around
to protect our nation and country.
            I met truck and mobile drivers who drove over 10 hours from
north to south, back and forth, again and again, just so we can have our
armed vehicles to go in. All they asked for was "Go in, do your job, and let
us have some quiet finally".
            I met volunteers who supported us with hot soup, drinks and
goodies as we waited in the field for the order that never came.
            I met brave residents of Southern Israel, who taught me what
true courage and power is. Can you imagine living under fire for 12 years??
            A month ago I returned from our honeymoon in India. I told
people that within 2 months I saw true unity in Am Yisrael – there, in the
Far East, and here, under fire. My question is why can't we be so united at
normal times, on daily basis? Why can't we gather around the same values we
truly share, even if deep inside? Why can't we respect and treat each other
as brother unless it's in the middle of nowhere, or in time of crisis?
            It starts with each and every one of us. Can we try being nicer
to each other? Can we try harder to respect each other's views and opinions,
even if they contradict mine?? Can I treat every Jew as my brother, even if
he wears black, or doesn't wear a Kippa\Yarmalka, if he's dark skinned or if
he prays differently than I do? if he has long hair and piercings, or if he
has long Peot? Can I try understanding what bothers him, what hurts him, so
I can avoid doing so? Can I truly CARE about someone who is from my nation,
even if we are different and sometimes it looks like we're not so
connected??
The change starts with YOU, with ME, with US, in the small, daily actions
and reactions. No politician can promise neither do it, it is only up to us.
Thank you for protecting and fighting for us worldwide all around the media,
social networks and out on the streets, helping justice win and revealing
evil lies.
I'm proud to be part of this nation, and part of a unique and morale army.
May we be blessed with these unique feelings every day, and not only in
times of crisis…
Shabbat Shalom
Yaakov Selavan
Lieutenant, IDF Armored Corps
P.S
Feel free to share this message  with friends\family\synagogues etc…



------------------------------------

Yahoo! Groups Links

<*> To visit your group on the web, go to:
    http://groups.yahoo.com/group/rscp/

<*> Your email settings:
    Individual Email | Traditional

<*> To change settings online go to:
    http://groups.yahoo.com/group/rscp/join
    (Yahoo! ID required)

<*> To change settings via email:
    rscp-digest at yahoogroups.com
    rscp-fullfeatured at yahoogroups.com

<*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
    rscp-unsubscribe at yahoogroups.com

<*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to:
    http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <http://mailman.cs.huji.ac.il/pipermail/rbs/attachments/20121128/c79f5e4e/attachment.html>