An Open Letter to Netanyahu: I Want to Volunteer for the IDF
Many of us are too old or have too few skills to volunteer. I apologize for that. It’s the best I/we can do. In my case, my Hebrew isn’t very good, having not kept it up, I blush to say, since my Bar Mitzvah.
So if you pass on my application, I understand. You have better things to do right now. And plenty of reserve troops who are much better trained than I.
But I want to say this — I urge my fellow Americans of all races and religions to join with me and stand with Israel now, no matter what our government does.
As one Jewish sage famously asked, “If not now, when?” Or, in the more complete words of Hillel: “If I am not for myself, then who will be for me? And if I am only for myself, then what am I? And if not now, when?”
I am not the first to say that that seems to sum it up. If you really think Western civilization is worth saving, you will do this. Because the stakes are nothing less than that. If you think the Judeo-Christian tradition can survive the fall of Israel, you are, to be blunt, birdbrained.
All the best,
Roger L. Simon
Also read: Senators Vow ‘Vigorous’ Support for Right of Jewish State to Defend Itself
I’ll go with you Roger. I’m over 60 as well but the current National Senior Rifle Champion, Distinguished Rifle and Pistol Badge holder, hunter, state champ with various military firearms and old enough not to get excited. They will probably look at my CV and have me answer phones or something, but you never can tell.
I’m a Methodist but always held Israel as a precious jewel in my heart. Looks like Western Civ is collapsing but while it does, let’s fight.
Anyone who is serious about volunteering can do so-
http://www.vfi-usa.org/Index.php
There is no age restriction.
You are breaking no US laws by doing so.
You will not be placed in combat. If you are assigned to an IDF base, as opposed to hospital or other vital sector, you will be placed in an appropriate job.
I took part in this very program a few years ago, serving for several weeks on an IDF base where, with other “mature” adults, I packed medical supplies. Mostly Jews, but Christians too among us. I expect to return for another volunteer gig in coming months.
Update on an important breaking story out of Chicago,
Update:The man pictured with President George W. Bush has been identified
http://illinoispaytoplay.com/2012/11/15/the-man-pictured-with-george-w-bush-has-been-identified/
I don’t understand why the moderators permit this individual to spam this website with links that are completely irrelevant to the articles.
I have no interest in going if I can’t kill Arabs. These people have declared war on Americans, I just want to return the favor. I’d even bring my own rifles and ammo.
SAR-EL is one such avenue. In fact, this blogger has received several requests, from US combat veterans who fought in Iraq and Afghanistan. They want to join our forces and kick Hamas ass!
Anyone who wants more info can contact me at the blog, leave a message at the ‘About’ tab. As to some war updates, and important food for thought from Israel – http://adinakutnicki.com/2012/11/15/war-update-a-recharged-idf-on-the-march-hunting-down-islamic-jihadists-separating-their-heads-literally-addendum-to-idf-exacts-major-price-commentary-by-adina-kutnicki/.
Yours truly has more than a dog in this life and death struggle, as her sons are IDF reservists too!!
Here is the link for SAR EL – http://www.sar-el.org/…there are so many non-combats needs too!
Adina, Please do not overstep. VFI/Sar-El has the authority and expertise to screen and place volunteers ensuring their safety and that no laws in their home countries are violated. Let anyone who is serious about volunteering do so through the appropriate channels which are very effective. If you wish to host volunteers when they are not on duty you can certainly do so and if you contact the office in Israel they can help you as well. It is just as important that you know the background of your guests as it is we know the background of our volunteers. Thanks, MBY
Bless you and all the other Isralies on this site, and special thanks to Mr. Simon…Mr M.B. Yakov….I will be putting my house in order, and G-d willing next week i will get a flt. to Is. as i have never been there….I can drive trucks, or operate machinery…..and i sure as he– can use an M60, or Uzi….And i have some what of a payback toward Terrorists..May YHWH watch over you and HIS people Ysrael…..A Zionist Christian…JBK
Jimi, You can visit Israel as a tourist anytime. You will always be welcome. If you wish to offer service however you can’t just show up. Please use the link I provided. Thanks. MBY
Don’t be silly; they’re not serious. They just want to stampede all those American cannon fodder into fighting Israel’s wars. “Follow me, I’m right behind you.”
Another 60+ y.o. who would go with you.
I am a hunter who has never missed his deer, elk, or pig. I’m a crack shot with my Rem Md 700 at 200+ yds and a man sized target at 400+ yds would be an easy thing. Just assure me that it is indeed open season on Arabs, that they taste just like chicken, and there is no bag limit.
Good hunting!
I’ve been here 12 years now. When I made aliyah I was in my mid-50s and heartbroken that I couldn’t serve in the IDF. However, I held certificates in firefighting first response, hazardous rescue, and medical first response. I volunteered for the Givata’im fire department for about a year. To my knowledge I’m still the only female firefighter here. Since then I’ve been teaching English mostly to grades 11 and 12 students preparing for their IDF service. There’s lots to do.
Robert and Roger, let me know when you’re coming and I’ll meet you at the airport.
Yo
This is just wonderful to read all your replies,There is hope for America too.
After the election I felt lost, felt very sad and small as if abandoned by logic and now that I read all your wonderful words of encouragement for Israel, I know that we still have a chance to turn this country around. Bless you fellow citizen, we always stood for justice and the American way lets never lose it and help little Israel with what ever we can because when Israel in gone we’re are next.
Mr. Simon, i will go also….I am a VNVET and just about wore out, but i have Oodles of sky miles, and can leave next week….and you can put me in the front line of defence, so if G0d calls, i will be ready, and what a way to go to heaven, but thur the Holy Land….Yeshua be honored and praised….jbk
Roger, I would go in a heartbeat. In a support role or combat, whatever they might need me to do.
If you’re not willing to help out your best, most faithful, die-hard friends during their time of need, then what, precisely, are you?
Can I make a suggestion for PJMedia?
If you put Washington, DC at northern end of the Gaza strip, that puts Baltimore just to the west of Tel Aviv, relatively.
http://mapfrappe.com/?show=7390
Perhaps PJMedia could give people context by mapping the relative positions of the rocket attacks over Suburban Maryland?
Somehow I doubt that Israeli PM Netanyahu is in a humorous mode of operation these days.
And there is no doubt that not one, single liberal in the USA; or world for that matter could possibly understand the point of this article. American Jews could care less; life before and after death to them is spelled Obama, Obama, Obama.
One big plus for the article though – it doesn’t make one feel like they’re doing nothing but peeing into the wind by reading it.
Simon, who dodged the draft during Vietman, now rattles his rusty saber.
Did I say it was more?:)
– from experience in 1985, you could go there and volunteer, non-combat, but you would be issued a uniform, for up to a month; you could write a book about it.
Roger, someone has to clap while the Heros march by..
In the light of day, you did the right thing at the right time…
HillelA didn’t mention which hills he’s captured or rushed up..
HillelA didn’t mention which hills he’s captured or rushed up..
What? He’s a veteran of a thousand flame wars. Why, he once made a HALO jump to a conclusion.
“They also serve who only stand and wait.”
There are 3 kinds of people.
1. Those who make things happen
2. Those that watch things happen
3. Those who do nothing but stand and wait
As I suspect I am soon to be laid off, I may join you. If I can find a sponsor to get me there.
I am a 60 y.o. former US Army veteran. Electronics tech, equipment engineer, etc.
I have lived twice in Ashkelon for a total of over a year.
I stand with Israel even tho’ I am a lapsed Catholic.
The Hobo
as we age we began to see what values are worth fighting for….I am a VNVet and was not totally ok with Nam in the late 60`s
I stand with Israel.
As do I, Sarah.
The Gazooks can go pound sand.
I stand with Israel as well!
I’m not exactly certain, but I would be more than willing to bet that they have a medical auxiliary service that you could volunteer for. At the end of the day, service is service and the battle here is measured in man hours as much as anything else.
Every man you free from driving an ambulance can be used by the IDF to go do other things, right?
I know that Magen David Adom takes college aged student volunteers. They may take older volunteers as well. But certainly, Volunteers for Israel takes people of all ages. Many senior citizens do it.
I am sure that the IDF would not take Mr. Simon, but he could get on a plane
and fly here (Israel) on a solidarity visit He could volunteer at an army
base, or pack care packages to send to our soldiers, or bring toys to kids in
the areas under rocket attacks. The fighting probably wont last too much longer this time, but what will happen in a few years time if the Muslim Brotherhood grows stronger in Egypt? Be ready to put your money (and your bodies) where your mouths are, guys.
A chill ran through me reading your last sentence. I’m horribly afraid you’re right. And don’t forget — what happens when Iran gets nukes? B/c evidently no one anywhere is concerned, and doing any & everything to stop them (except maybe Israel).
If Iran gets nukes, Isreal should immediatly NUKE them!!
Iran should understand that if they ever do such a thing to Israel – and it may well take only one or two nukes to essentially destroy the nation, due to it’s size – the Israelis will view it (rightfully so) as a second holocaust…but one in which, unlike the last time, they can respond times ten.
Goodbye, Teheran. Seeya later, Damascus. Nice to know you Mecca…
Everyone write their Congressmen and Senators to stand with Israel as the world and soon our president asks for “proportion” whenever the terrorists feel they’re losing.
I am just under 60, so that makes me young (in my mind). Roger, this is one of the best and most heartfelt articles you have written. Bravo.
I’m also over 60 and my knees are gone but I still remember how to handle a rifle. I can bring ten years of Marine Corps training with me but it’s more than a little out of date by now. I wouldn’t be much good on the front line but I could free up a younger person that is.
Just one thing, does it matter that I’m not Jewish?
No it does not. See my link in post #1.
@Roger
Some of us already looked into it, but found out that American goy, even with prior military service, would not be taken into combat arms. As Menachem Ben Yakov mentions, you are placed in a support role.
The rule is the same for everyone Jew or Gentile.
By the way, as you obviously know, loading vehicles , packing parachutes, repairing vehicles, serving in hospitals, etc. is all important and necessary work. And the Blessings you receive, the example that you set, the solidarity you express, will last forever. The greatest reward of course – looking in the mirror and being proud of who you see.
On one of the milblogs I follow they say “The amateur studies tactics; the professional studies logistics.” This tells you exactly how important those behind-the-frontline roles can be. When the guys go outside the wire carrying only a couple of hundred rounds each, logistics is vital to their survival.
“The amateur studies tactics; the professional studies logistics.”
People that are planning on winning wars study both.
Roger, I’ve said it before and I will say it again.
Come what may, this Gentile will stand with Israel.
Continued prayers for an increasingly dangerous world. May real profiles in courage rise up everywhere and take a firm stand against evil.
@Roger
Some of us already looked into it, but as an American goy, despite prior service, will not be accepted in combat arms. As Menachem Ben Yakovm mentions, you would fulfill a support role.
But you might be a little old. But god bless and go forward!
Sorry about the double post.
Buckey Abroad! So neat to see your name here. Ghosts of LGF.
Hey Laura! Hope all is well with you!?
Some of us are still around… heh. Like your blog.
Ha! Still around and still sh&t disturbing.
We’re everywhere…
That’s all the IDF needs, the over-excited alte cocker Simon running around the battlefield making “suggestions.”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SALKebDizX4&feature=plcp&noredirect=1
Better that than you stabbing them in the back.
Roger-what a delightful offer. In addition to Volunteers for Israel (as mentioned, perfectly legal and many non-Jews and Jews alike do this program), there are other things that people can do to support Israel. A few ideas-donate to reputable Israeli charities (I prefer Beit Halochem, Magen David Adom and Keren Malki). People can also save their vacation dollars for a trip to Israel, and put money directly into the economy. Locally, people can buy on-line from Israeli businesses and support stores that import Israeli products. Those are just a few thoughts.
Yet another avenue of support is Friends of the IDF – http://fidf.org . They do a lot of great work.
http://fundisrael.org/
My highest recommendation.
I’m with you, Roger. Maybe I could even learn a little — like how you write so well from the heart.
However, at 65, I’ve got bad knees, bad feet, a bad back, and bad luck. Also, having grown up in the 6os, I’m not very good w/authority. (Bad attitude?) However, I’d like the idea of working with new friends and working for a good cause, as long as it doesn’t involve fresh, unsweetened, yogurt.
Also, I wouldn’t complain if you were to call me a kvetch, which is probably the reason I post to begin with.
Shoulder to shoulder with you, Roger.
Although, heaven knows…I’ve been pretty useless fighting the enemies within here at home…armed with nothing more than words.
We may not be able to go there and do that, but we can buy the t-shirt:
http://www.zahal.org/groups/idf-israeli-apparel-t-shirts
I picked up an “I Support the IDF” bumper sticker, too. Will go great with my Romney/Ryan Comeback Team and the Gadsden flag (Don’t Tread On Me).
I stand with Israel, the country that now leads the free world.
“The country that now leads the free world” Yup Sarah, that’s right.
Is this program available to Europeans,too? id be interested
Yes.
http://www.sar-el.org/international%20contacts.html
Don’t think santa-bama will help you,he’s no lover of Democracies but does know how to add up votes.And I’m sad to say there aren’t enough of you.Now radical Islam,that’s a growing minority here.He’s done the math,but stands for nothing! P.S.he hates us Catholics too!
I believe that in the end times there will be a flood of people, Jews specifically, who will flock back to Israel. So, your volunteerism may be biblical, sir.
I am a grafted in Gentile who stands with Israel. I wear my Star of David everyday in solidarity with my brothers and sisters in peace and freedom.
I’m 41 and a former US Marine with the MOS of 0313/0352. Both infantry. I’d like information on joining the IDF. Since my great nation will not help to stop these terrorist attacks to the Lords lands I volunteer!
I am 50, white, female and Mormon. I am behind you 100%. May Israel know many loving Americans stand with you. Thank you for the example of brotherly love in treating all injuries as your own, even when they are against you. Thank you for being a free nation in the midst of tyranny. You are a shining example.
Not everyone can come, not everyone can financially support.
Yet everyone can pray for Israel.
May the Almighty bless everyone who remembers us in their prayers.
“Yet everyone can pray for Israel.”
I pray for Israel. Many of us do.
Separation of Church and State in Israel?
Right.
If I told you what I think of you I would be violating numerous commandments so I’ll let the following speak for itself-
Christian countries
The following states recognize some form of Christianity as their state or official religion (by denomination):
[edit]Catholic
Jurisdictions which recognize Catholicism as their state or official religion:
Alsace-Moselle
Costa Rica[4]
Liechtenstein[5]
Malta[6]
Monaco[7]
Vatican City (theocracy)
The large portion of western Europe which previously held to the Catholic religion was known as Christendom, which was nominally headed by the Holy Roman Empire, a Catholic federation; after the advent of Protestantism and the subsequent Enlightenment, Christendom slowly collapsed as different states declared themselves Protestant or separated the Church from the state altogether.
Other
A number of countries, including Andorra, Argentina,[8] Dominican Republic, El Salvador,[9] Panama, Paraguay,[10] Peru,[11] Poland,[12] Philippines, Portugal and Spain[13] give a special recognition to Catholicism in their constitution despite not making it the state religion.
All Cantons in Switzerland give official recognition to the main churches, i. e. both the Roman Catholic Church and the Swiss Reformed Church, except Geneva and Neuchâtel. Switzerland itself has no official religion.
[edit]Eastern Orthodox
Jurisdictions which recognize one of the Eastern Orthodox Churches as their state religion:
Greece: Church of Greece[14]
Other
The Finnish Orthodox Church[15] is not the state religion of Finland but has a special relationship with the Finnish state. The internal structure of the church is described in the Orthodox Church Act. The church has a power to tax its members and corporations if a majority of shareholders are members. The church does not consider itself a state church, as the state does not have the authority to affect its internal workings or theology.
[edit]Protestantism
[edit]Lutheran
Jurisdictions which recognize a Lutheran church as their state religion include the Nordic countries. Membership is very high among the general population, however the amount of actively participating members and believers is considerably lower than in many other countries with similar membership statistics. Furthermore, all of these churches have lately seen decline in the fraction of the population being members.
Denmark (Church of Denmark)[16] Also the Church of the Faroe Islands is the state church of the Faroe Islands, a territory of Denmark.
Iceland (Church of Iceland)[17] (76,81% of population members at 1 January 2012) [18]
Norway (Church of Norway) [19]
Other
The Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland has a special relationship with the Finnish state, its internal structure being described in a special law, the Church Act.[15] The Church Act can be amended only by a decision of the Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church and subsequent ratification by the parliament. The Church Act is protected by the Finnish constitution, and the state can not change the Church Act without changing the constitution. The church has a power to tax its members and all corporations unless a majority of shareholders are members of the Finnish Orthodox Church. The state collects these taxes for the church, for a fee. On the other hand, the church is required to give a burial place for everyone in its graveyards.[20] (79% of population members at the end of 2009).[21] The Finnish president also decides the themes for the intercession days. The church does not consider itself a state church, as the Finnish state does not have the power to influence its internal workings or its theology, although it has a veto in those changes of the internal structure which require changing the Church Act. Neither does the Finnish state accord any precedence to Lutherans or the Lutheran faith in its own acts.
Sweden relegated their state church, Church of Sweden, to a national church in 2000. In late 2009 the Church of Sweden had 71.3% of the population as its members in 2009 although only around 20% of the Swedish population believes in any religion. Memberships are high because until 1996 membership was compulsory, all born before 1996 have to actively leave the church.[22]
[edit]Reformed
Jurisdictions which recognize a Reformed church as their state religion:
Tuvalu (Church of Tuvalu)
Other
The Church of Scotland is recognized as the national church of Scotland, but is not a state church and thus differs from the Church of England. Its constitution, which is recognised by acts of the British Parliament, gives it complete independence from the state in spiritual matters.[23]
All Cantons in Switzerland give official recognition to the main churches, i. e. both the Swiss Reformed Church and the Roman Catholic Church, except Geneva and Neuchâtel. Switzerland itself has no official religion.
[edit]Anglican
See also: State religion#Tabular summary
Jurisdictions that recognise an Anglican church as their state religion:
England (Church of England)
The Church of England is the officially established religious institution [24] in England, and also the Mother Church of the worldwide Anglican Communion. It is the only established Anglican Church. The British monarch is the Supreme Governor of the Church of England and is Defender of the Faith. In late-19th-century England there was a campaign by Liberals, dissenters and nonconformists to disestablish the Church of England, which was viewed, in the period after civil Chartist activism, as a discriminatory organisation placing employment and other access disabilities on non-members. The campaigners styled themselves “Liberationists” (the “Liberation Society” was founded by Edward Miall in 1853). Though their campaign failed, nearly all of the legal disabilities of nonconformists were gradually dismantled. The campaign for disestablishment was revived in the 20th century when Parliament rejected the 1929 revision of the Book of Common Prayer, leading to calls for separation of Church and State to prevent political interference in matters of worship.
Lords Spiritual, who are the 26 most senior Archbishops and Bishops in the Church are reserved seats in Parliament in the House of Lords. The Archbishop of Canterbury, Archbishop of York, Bishop of London, Bishop of Durham, and the Bishop of Winchester sit automatically with the 21 longest-serving Bishops. Both the Labour Party and the Conservative Party have proposed reserved seats for the Lords Spiritual in a reformed House of Lords which would contain elected members. Plans to reform the house however, have been abandoned for this current Parliament and so all 26 Lords Spiritual remain in their reserved seats.
[edit]Muslim countries
Main articles: Political aspects of Islam, Sharia, Caliphate, Islamic religious police (disambiguation), and Islamism
This section needs additional citations for verification. (April 2012)
Many Muslim-majority countries recognize Islam as their state religion. Proselytism on behalf of other religions is often illegal.
[edit]Islam (non-denominational)
Iraq
Pakistan
[edit]Sunni Islam
Afghanistan
Algeria
Bangladesh (Since 1988, when government reformed the constitution and add a new provision 2(a) which refers the state religion is Islam)
Brunei
Comoros
Egypt
Aceh Province of Indonesia
Jordan
Libya
Maldives
Malaysia
Mauritania
Morocco
Qatar
Saudi Arabia
Somalia
Tunisia
United Arab Emirates
[edit]Shi’a Islam
Iran (Theocracy)
[edit]Ibadi
Oman
[edit]Mixed Shia & Sunni
Kuwait
Yemen (Zaydi fiqh among Zaydi Shias)
Bahrain
[edit]Sufi
Somalia (Ahlu Sunna Waljama’a controlled regions)
[edit]Buddhist countries
Governments which recognize Buddhism, either a specific form of, or the whole, as their official religion:
[edit]Theravada Buddhism
Cambodia[25]
Other
The constitution in Sri Lanka accords Buddhism the “foremost place,” However, Buddhism is not recognized as the state religion.[26]
Likewise, in Thailand, the 2007 Thai constitution recognized Buddhism as “the religion of Thai tradition with the most adherents” However, it is not formally named as state religion.
[edit]Vajrayana Buddhism
Bhutan (Drukpa Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism)[27]
Jewish countries – Israel
Ignore him, Menachem Ben Yakov, he’s a troll looking for attention.
Superb dialogue. And “prologue” doesn’t translate to “troll”?
Menachem;
Listen to me for a minute.
I am NOT discounting you, Jews, or the Jewish faith.
I’ve been to Israel. I volunteered to go there as a representative for a U.S. business. I have fond memories.
I can understand why anyone would want to offer themselves as soldiers to protect that land, the people, and the historic areas and artifacts.
BUT, If it weren’t for Judaism vs Islam there would be no conflict.
The deep seated sentiment of these religions, in this area, are the root of all the conflict, and will never cease in my, or your, lifetime.
I could give my life, my children’s lives, and all my grandchildren’s lives, in a holy offering to any of those religions, and it would NOT CHANGE A SINGLE THING.
People/religions have been at war since the first days of recorded mankind. Only when one religious sect has been decimated to minimal numbers has there been peace between these perennially warring sects. And history has shown this is only temporary.
I can think of many ways to offer myself as a martyr for a decent cause, but, my significance would amount to one grain of sand in the desert.
I stand by my first comment. If you take Judaism out of Israel, what’s left?
If you take Islam out of Iran, what’s left?
NO SINGLE HUMAN BEING ON EARTH CAN EVER CHANGE THIS RELIGIOUS WORSHIP.
If you take Judaism out of Israel, what’s left?
An ungovernable mess.
If you take Islam out of Iran, what’s left?
Serenity.
My Yakov, it is very good of you to write all this long letter of truth, and i treasure it, but a fool and his brains is easily seperated….If i can get to Ysrael, i will write you and maybe we can have a cupa java together….jk
Your point?
cybergeezer – You make the common mistake of thinking that freedom OF religion is not the same as freedom from religion. The Constitution and the traditions of the US cover the OF side not the from side. Because we are meant to be able to worship freely there is not State sponsored religion.
But you may not be able to distinguish the difference.
When I say that half of the people are below normal do you get the joke?
Aha! That half voted blindly for Obama. The jokes on them, too. They’ll find out.
What you see here is how easy it is to reason and rationalize with zealots of any sect.
Who’s going to be left here in America to defend against the jihadi’s in D.C.? Our Congressmen? Ha! They represent one of the largest contingent of disabled vets; Mentally AND spiritually disabled.
I moved to Israel in ’04 and was too old for the IDF at forty something
, well what can ya do…I still play soccer against the Golani reserve (a family tradition of sorts, the old man played roller hockey for a Marine Corp team ’till he was 60+) but my three oldest have served in the Navy, Combat Engineering, and Home Front Command. The next in line, she’s scheduled to enlist in the spring…probably end up driving tank transports
But if you want to do something ‘concrete’ as it were…
http://pizzaidf.org/
Send a few bucks to there and a platoon will get a treat and know that someone has got their back…
Its no small thing, all of those jokes about MRE’s in the US Army…all I can say is; you lucky dogs…they say you can identify the sequence of events for IDF training, kinda like carbon 14 dating, by the labels on the tuna fish tins dumped in the wadi…
Todah Rabah (Much Thanks) to all who post here
Your wish is my command. I am an Israeli. There is a program — in fact quite a well-established one — to let people volunteer to help the IDF. It is glad to accept older people and does not demand particular skills.
It is known as the “Sar-El” programs. Details here:
http://www.sar-el.org/
And don’t say you have no skills and are “useless”. If you can sweep a street, put on a coat of paint, or plug something into a wall socket, it means one less Israeli soldier needs to do it. Not to mention seeing the country, meeting the people, etc., etc., etc.
I see someone beat me to it. Let me add in its favor that you really get to see the country as it really is. Apart from everything else, the program is the exact opposite of tourist-trap organized tours of a few highlights.
An Open Letter to Bibi:
This time FINISH THE JOB. Screw the enlightened Eurotrash, Eff the abomination often referred to as the Unitied Nations, tell Jimmeh to shove it up his puckered arse, and demonstrate to the leftist pussies of the world that their time is up. Rid the world of the Palestininian pestilence.
Thank you all for the good spirit, the moral support and the idea of volunteering in my country. The IDF doesn’t need so many volunteers than the battered civilians in the of south. I’m following a live TV discussion on the Israeli 2. channel, and the many families are in need of volunteers. The kids are home, no school today and tomorrow, and the majority of businesses are closed, fathers are home with the entire family. After so many years of missiles (fortunately the majority explode in open land) – the biggest problem is the psychological damage, the continuous stress. Many psychologists, helpers, volunteers as professionals went (and are there since years)to Beersheba, Sderot, Ashkelon, Kiryat Malachi ect to help the families living there. The Treasury Minister on TV said: The Govt is doing everything it can to alleviate the pressure of outstanding taxes still to pay, for citizen living 40km from Gaza. A special Govt internet site has been opened for various purposes of help for the people in this area.
On another note, Mr. Netanyahu and all the Govt are dead serious about what to do in Gaza. This time the price for Hamas is heavy, very heavy, the balance of power has to be re-established. As a reminder, Netanyahu’s promise to deal with Gaza and Hamas was given 4 years ago before he was elected. Meantime Hamas was able to build hundreds of tunnels, and build a non negligible arsenal of missiles and weapons. It was high time to react, and I support him and the Govt fully.
A last note: Come and visit Israel, it’s a beautiful country, we’ve got everything in a short distance.
I too amd over 60, and atheist, and Stand With Israel!
“You are fighting for freedom and democracy against the most reactionary forces in the world today: those that oppose the rights of women and gays, religious freedom, the separation of church and state, freedom of expression and assembly, etc., etc., and wish to impose theocratic totalitarianism.”
Wait … you mean that Israel is fighting an infestation of Tea Party Republicans, too? I guess the U.S. has more in common with Israel than I thought! Good luck, Israel, those Medicare-grabbing gay-hating minority-blaming nutcases are stubborn adversaries! Fortunately, we’ve discovered a way to defeat them: hand them a microphone and they’ll hang themselves with it. Now spread the word and take them down!
HAHAHAH!!!!
Wow, that’s so effing amusing!
Do you stand-up? Or are you an amateur bigot?
Roger, I feel as you do but see that this can only end badly. And if the Jews need to escape you can bet our open borders will be closed to them.
Im over 60 and Ill go.
This trigger-puller is also available to go with you Roger.
You might show up with so much help, they’ll have to make you an officer, with your own command.
Roger’s Regiment! I hope that he and those with him enjoy his visit, and does good works!
That’s quite the brave letter.
WRT Egypt, it’s too damn bad that the iron dome can’t merely re-target the incoming rockets down to Egypt. Let them deal with that.
When two sides are “perfectly clear” that their cause is just on this level, the result is usually, and has been for 60 years, death. I’m not talking about cultural relativism and who’s right or wrong, but reality. The reality of a war that never ends, and may have been, tangentially, responsible for 9/11.
The world needs to step in here and end this. A nation needs to be created on the West Bank and Gaza and Democracies installed with a full Bill of Rights, by force if necessary. Let them object; they’ve had their chance. Bye-bye Hamas, bye-bye P.A. Hello separation of church and state in the new Palestine, enforced by a global alliance.
A global military and economic alliance must be formed that will guarantee and demand that this new Palestine, and the surrounding Arab polities, especially Jordan, will never be able to invite in any outside military forces of any kind.
It must be made clear that institutional military attacks of any kind from this new nation or the surrounding polities against Israel will be considered an act of war against the supporting global alliance as well, and dealt with accordingly. Any terrorist attacks originating within these Arab states will be dealt with by an international group formed on the model of the F.B.I. and with full jurisdiction to go in, find and root out any terrorists.
Hizbollah must be rooted out and destroyed, and made illegal. Force it on Lebanon if necessary. Hate speech against Israel in the new Palestine must be made illegal. The amount of global agitation, terror and death is out of all proportion to the size of the populations involved. Arabs are bringing this war to America’s college campuses, streets and to other nations as well.
If these two sides can’t shake hands, make them. 1948 is dead and gone and the Arabs must be made to adjust to this new reality instead of agitating throughout eternity about Israel. Make Egypt understand in no uncertain terms that continued aid is contingent on no further rabble-rousing about Israel and in exerting FULL sovereignty and responsibility for peace on their borders with Israel and the new Palestine/Gaza on threat of global economic sanctions.
When all is set in place. I would make numerous Jewish-Arab exchange programs on a number of cultural, tech and business levels, with promises of aid to all Arab nations, and Israel, who participate. Making friends at that point must have a Day One.
If a there must be violence, let a multi-national force go in and install democracies in Gaza, and the West Bank – a force with real teeth and resolve behind it, not a watch-do-nothing U.N Peacekeeping Force.
This Islamic intolerance must be shamed by the globe, and with a new Palestine in place, those nations that agitate against Israel will have no excuse to do so. Especially if they are tasked with helping to make a democratic, truly democratic, Palestine.
This is the speech I would make were I President. Let violence and billions of dollars be spent towards some end game with clear goals instead of this endless wash and rinse cycle.
Good frakking luck with that, bud.
Stop goggling at me.
You have to be a liberal arts student from California.
Or someone who knows fools running on a treadmill endlessly chasing one another when he sees it. Tom never does quite get Jerry does he? How educated do you need to be to watch the same scenario play out over 60 years and understand it’s gonna last another 60?
The concept of democracy by force is so utterly asinine that it can only come from a person of higher education. It’s a testament to the propaganda of the public school system that morons like you think democracy is magically better than any other form of oppressive government. It’s extremely depressing knowing morons like you vastly outnumber the intelligent people.
No democracy has lasted more than 250 years or so.
Everybody:
http://vfi-usa.org
There are also similar organizations around the world for citizens of other countries. You don’t have to be Jewish.
I’m with you Roger — sign me up for the IDF! And I could care less what sort of menial task I’m assigned…scrubbing floors and toilets would be fine with me, as long as it freed up just one younger Israeli to be used in combat arms.
Just take a page out of old Alexander’s play book and make sure to wipe Gaza off the face of the earth. We didn’t mess around with when it came with terrorist activities back in the day, we just eliminated the problem in it’s entirety.
As far as I can tell, Israel really is the last bastion of western civilization, and I mean that sincerely. My own people, the Greeks, have turned into a bunch of raving juveniles, who need a really, really good spanking. They are beneath my contempt; it breaks my heart to see a nation that once had the greatest warriors on earth now throwing a collective temper tantrum because they have to face the the consequences of their own selfishness, laziness, and corruption. Where’s King Xerxes when you need him? I would even settle for Darius.
People of Israel: this is one American gentile who stands with you. And I would gladly stand by way of deeds, and not just words.
- Alexander the Great
“I urge my fellow Amercians of all races and religions to stand with Israel now, no matter what our government does.”
The big majority of American Jews voted for Obama and hence stand against Israel. If they had voted by the same margin the other way, Obama would be out of office in January.
BTW, Petraeus blames Israel for all the “problems” in the Middle East. See PJM’s own Andrew McCarthy.
And their favorite slogan is “The Israelis are doing to the Palestinians what the Nazis did to the Jews.” (They stole it from Woody Allen, a famous cultural Jew.) I lost quite a few friends when that slogan became commonplace. I have never looked back.
Try to not sign up any of the 70 plus percent of American Jews who voted for Obama as they would likely side with the muslims even once over there.
My link in comment #34 is the US branch of Sar-El which some other commenters mentioned. If you are coming from the US start with VFI.
I’m not Jewish, doesn’t matter. “Never again” should have profound meaning for any moderately educated, free person of adult age. It was originally a call to arms, as well as a call for justice. Amen.
Israel needs to form a foreign legion of war fighters. I assure you the ranks would be full.
I know the Jews are God people and I hope Obama helps them sense 70% voted for him. As for me, I am turning my back on them.
I may be able to join you Roger as given our economy I may be out of a job soon and I’m in the same age boat at 60 years old. I can’t think of a better ally to help right now and I have no Jewish blood in me, just an understanding of what’s been happening and the need to combat it before none of us are free anymore.
I volunteered in ’06 and I am volunteering again. I have read Marcuse and Chomsky, though not much of Chomsky’s politics which is garbage. Come to think of it, Marcuse’s politics is pretty much garbage too.
As for militias in the US, do not email me because I am volunteering to join the IDF in Israel only.
Hope to see you in Israel, Roger.
Let us be clear here as to what the game is. Obama is currently supporting the destruction of Hamas and will not stand in Israel’s way as it takes it down. Why?! Because if there is no violent opposition to Israel, it will be easier to demand territorial concessions and even disarmament and destruction of Israel’s nuclear deterrent. Beware the geopolitical stratagems. Israel will win a significant battle in Gaza and lose a significant war in Judea and Samaria if it destroys Hamas.
What is this nambi-pambi age restriction? When the Civil War began, my great grandfather was exactly 60 years old. He joined the cavalry unit commanded by George Custer and rode with him for the entire four years. After the war, he raised a second family.
To the barricades with those targeted by the Amerikan State, the Catholics and the Jews! Let us make our stand.
Of course I stand with Israel (I should go stand somewhere else?).
I imagine the Israeli’s were as depressed about our election results as we were. It’s a great and lonely burden to be a chosen people charged with defending a promised land in the midst of enemies bent on their annihilation (in the words of Tveye, “I know, I know. We are Your chosen people. But, once in a while, can’t You choose someone else”?). And it’s the world’s shame that they don’t have a friend in it.
Roger, you should give Bill Clinton a call. He might want to go with you. Remember when he said he would grab a rifle and climb in a trench to fight and die for Israel? Here’s his chance.
Sukie – I was in Israel in ’08 in the July – Sept time frame. My friends said that we would elect BO over my objections. They were right. They also said that we would live to regret it. Again they were correct.
The unofficial national motto in Israel is “Never again!”. They do mean it, secular or religious, all say the same thing.
Being sort of conservative I think I’ll wait and do my fighting on my own soil. Having said that if The West allows the destruction of Israel there won’t be much left worth fighting for. Just my modest house.
Ha, I’m in!
But I’m not Jewish, I’m over 50 and don’t know Hebrew from Hebdomeros.
I have combat experience though. I wore OD Green and ate C-Rations, aka MRE’s.
I did what I was told and got an honorable discharge when my time was up.
I’d prefer to fight in the new war of American Secession. But I’d be honored to fight for the last outpost
of Western Civilization in the Middle East. It’s worth saving.
You can volunteer to Sar-El and similar volunteer organizations. You do NOT have to be Jewish. http://www.sar-el.org/ .
Please watch the video link and share it with your friends. Thank you.
MBY Yerushalayim
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iTXiBGLloV4
Roger, as a resident of Israel, I thank you. You’re in a PERFECT position to volunteer. Israel needs people to speak up for the justice of its cause. As a screenwriter, you know how to distill your message into short powerful images. If you don’t have time to make and fire your own pro-Israel salvos, the IDF spokesman’s office is doing a great job creating mini-”posters” for people to share to get the real story out. They really learned from the beating Israel took during and after operation Cast Lead, where the attempt to protect its citizens was turned into a “war crime”.
This operation will be won on two fronts, on the battlefield, and in the battle for public opinion. Do whatever you can… and see if you can get more of your Hollywood friends to join you.
Roger, I moved here 21 years ago. No, you wouldn’t be much good as a soldier. Yes, you could volunteer with Sar-el.
However, you in particular could do something with far more impact.
Write a movie script. Write a funny, action-filled romance that mostly takes place in Israel. Let the main character be an American regular guy that a non-Jewish audience can relate to. And by the by, show the non-Israel-suppoters the ‘real Israel’, the one they usually refuse to believe exists. Feed them our narrative. Make it taste interesting and authentic and convincing.
Call it propaganda, call it fighting the culture wars – I don’t care. But if you could get it produced, and if they do a good job of it, it could actually do some good.
I think Bruce Willis would be a good fit for the lead.
If you need an Israeli-American script consultant, I’m available.
Thanks!
Laura
Re: “I’m an American citizen and over 60, so I am pretty much useless (though I still play a decent game of tennis), but I want to volunteer for the IDF.” Roger, your stock – which I will admit has not always been sky-high with me, for various reasons – just shot up big-time. You have my respect for volunteering to have skin in the game. Whether the Israelis take you is not important; what is important is that you offered. You tried your best. By the way, I, too, have tried to volunteer for the IDF – back around 2006 or so. I was a mere forty years old and still physically capable of cutting it – but they didn’t want a forty-something who wasn’t a Jew and didn’t speak Hebrew. I have had to content myself with supporting brave Israel in other ways.
Israel isn’t fighting for freedom and democracy. It’s fighting for the safety of its own citizens.
That is its purpose.
@Roger Sandy 56 says it well. PJ Media, no less than Lucky Strike Green, should go to war! Not only could you contribute to the Israeli war effort as a volunteer, you could contribute big time by getting the news out and countering the Antisemitism – opps I mean Antizionism of the MSM. It’s a real opportunity Roger. Look at Michael Yon or Michael J Totten – honest men in a profession of pimps and whores. It is a real opportunity.
If you’re too old or infirm to go to Israel, if you’re housebound or have pressing family commitments, there’s one other way you can show that you stand with Israel:
go online and battle the Hamas apologists, the anti-Israel comments, the oh-so-clever ‘yes but’ journalists and their moral equivalency when reporting on Israels fight for survival.
You can also go and complain to the MSM editors about the bias they show in their reporting.
Doing this is not nice, it is dirty, but it is something we all should do, in addition to donating.
Praying for Israel, daily, goes without saying.
A repeat, I know, sorry…but for a good cause…send a treat to the soldiers on the front line
http://pizzaidf.org/
I LOVE YOU, IDF! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! for fighting on the frontlines of global jihad for Israel, America and the entire Free World! You are all beautiful!
As the EDL say: NO SURRENDER!
I attended the rally in support of Israel last night in New York City!
Go Israel ! Go IDF !
I am a Christian who prays regularly for the peace of Jerusalem. All believing, practicing Christians do the same. The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, will fulfill His promises and certainly not abandon the apple of His eye.
BTW: Barack Obama does not represent Americans regarding Israel.
And when did Obama start representing America?
I couldn’t fight my way out of a paper bag but I’ll go too.
Paper bags are made from recycled paper, etc, so you might now be able to.
*Forces of “progressivism” like the New York Times are — even today, while Israel has endured 275 and counting missiles aimed at civilians — questioning your judgment.*
Yes, well, the missiles aren’t being fired at *them* now, are they? They might not be quite so progressive if they were in the proverbial crosshairs.
I stand with isreal as a Catholic
Strange, isn’t it that for a long time I have had a stong desire to go to Israel? I really AM too old (but still teaching ESL to international students), Christian, and don’t speak Hebrew (would Spanish help?) Ridiculous, I know, but still . . .
It baffles me that there are so many people against Jews and Israel in the world today. Well the Muslims don’t baffle me, but what about the rest? It is spiritual warfare that is behind the whole thing, imo. Therefore we must PRAY.
Count me in! I’m atheist and I’d be proud to stand with Israel against these barbarian Muslims.
Lots of encouraging words here; it would be interesting to know how many of these supporters are DOERS. I will be looking into where I would be best suited to be a positive influence in the effort of Israel to defend itself against all who oppose her. There is a multitude of prophesy that will happen in the mid-east in the not too distant future. Heavenly promises have been made and true faith will out….
” If you think the Judeo-Christian tradition can survive the fall of Israel, you are, to be blunt, birdbrained”
What do you mean a temporary defeat will end the tradition? That is the tradition for you guys since Babylon.
Hi everyone, this is my first post,I too stand with Israel and am constantly baffled at the hatred shown around the world to this little nation.Perhaps its,at least to some extent,a manifestation of the oikophobia that plagues Western cultures.Anyway i have an idea that the muslim nations may want to consider,you want Israel to stop taking these measures? here is a suggestion….LEAVE ISRAEL ALONE!!!!!!
Daily digest only, please.
At this very moment, Obama has Raytheon in Tucson AZ USA producing Stinger anti-aircraft missiles for Egypt (re Muslim Brotherhood). These are the latest RMP Block I version, two generations beyond Stinger Basic that took down the Soviets in Afghanistan. They are also, outside of a nuke, about the most desired terrorist weapon on the planet. I pray one of these does not take out an Israeli aircraft (or show up outside of an airport near you). Obama obviously does not have Israel’s back! Americans, contact your elected representatives and tell them to halt this weapon transfer!! Also, my wife and I are applying for Sar-El. Please join us in Israel!