Unlike the US (and probably most countries) that has separate military branches, Israel has one army with 3 sectors: the "regular" army (infantry, armor, paratroops, intelligence, special forces etc), the navy and the air force.
The highlight of last week was watching our grandson Nir being inducted into the air force following 3 months of basic training. The ceremony took place at the Kotel; there can be no better place. We had the best seats in the house. There's an event space on the second floor above the Kotel plaza and Yafit, who heads the parents' group for Nir's section, reserved it for a party. There's always a party.
We got to the Kotel early and watched the rehearsal, then went upstairs. It was very emotional, watching these 18 year old kids and hearing them take their oath with the Kotel in the background. Something else that is unique in Israel. When they are sworn in they get both a rifle (M16) and a Tanach. The message is clear: this is what you're fighting for and this is what you're fighting with.
This story is best told in pictures:
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| Getting ready |
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| Places, everyone, places! |
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| The sign says "Combat Soldiers Induction" |
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| Everyone is where they're supposed to be |
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| What's a party without friends and family? |
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| Who doesn't look good in uniform? |
Nir wasn't the only one to go into the army. Sid started his two-week stint in Sar-el on Sunday. I wanted to check out the train from Jerusalem to the airport which is where the group assembled. The ride was quick (20 minutes) and on time. Most of the the route goes through a series of tunnels, which is why it took so long to build. Blasting through bedrock takes time. He was assigned to the same base where he's been serving for the past 7 years, packing medical supplies. He's home for Shabbat, which starts in an hour.
More next week.
Shabbat Shalom from Jerusalem,
Peggy and Sid
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