by Justine Hemmestad
1-18-24
By Justine Hemmestad The Leader There are opportunities available for those who can’t sit still, who know that what happens on the other side of the world affects them, whether they have loved ones in the theater of war or not. There are Americans who have gone to Israel to help in the war effort in any way they can, sacrificing their time, their livelihoods, and their routines to help Israel. The Washington Post announces, “Thousands are leaving American Lives to Join Israel’s War in Gaza.” In total, about 10,000 people living in the United States have reported for Israeli military duty. The Washington Post reports that “at least eight U.S. citizens have been killed while serving in Israeli security forces since the war began, according to the State Department.” Americans taking up arms to fight for Israel is reminiscent of the early days of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, when Americans traveled to help in that region as well. And Americans are volunteering in more ways than militarily. Fighting for Israel also means “being in the hospitals and helping and talking to people and children who have gone through the most horrible thing that’s happened.” Organizations like The Jewish National Fund - USA Travel provide opportunities for Americans with a desire to help in Israel during this time of war, such as: “spend time with evacuees and the people who are providing lifesaving efforts to support them; take part in community service helping with anything needed, from cooking to assistance in the daycares, laundry, or cleaning up; work together with HaShomer HaChadash in farms, picking vegetables and other crops that will ensure that we will help prevent a massive shortage in the Israeli market and that no farmer is left alone; and volunteer with Sar-El at an army base, take on logistical roles necessary to fill the void of the over 350, 000 Israelis serving in the IDF and reserves.” Other Americans are taking commercial flights to volunteer with hospitals in Israel through Lion Shirdan’s organization, Bulletproof Israel. According to Shirdan, the organization has helped thousands of Americans going to Israel. “The regular flights are quite difficult to get on, so it’s been a challenge,” said Shirdan. “Especially given the high costs, usually over $1,000 for a one
way basic economy flight to Israel.” Even more locally, the Rabbi of the Ames Synagogue says she knows many Iowans who have made the journey to Israel to fight those who would have Israel cease to exist. Among the things Iowans can also do to support Israel, the Ames Synagogue shares, “Wear your blue ribbon. Share a photo of your tribute, or the hashtags #ShineYourLight #BlueRibbonsforIsrael and #BringThemHome.”
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