Update from Israel

Hi friends! My phone has blown up this morning from well-wishers asking me about the situation in Israel. As you may know, our October Israel tour is set to launch in about one week. Given the news of a surprise attack by Hamas, many have contacted me. So here is the status: I have followed …

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The Greatest Battle for Some IDF Soldiers

In Israel, military service is compulsory for both men (3 years) and women (2 years). There are a few religious, medical and ethnic exceptions, but most Israelis begin military service either immediately after high school or following a gap year. Young people in Israel grow up quickly as they are given responsibilities (such as leading …

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Did You Know Arabs – Both Men and Women – Serve Voluntarily in the IDF?

In Israel, young men are required to serve in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) for 3 years and young women for 2 years. There are exemptions for religious and/or medical reasons, and the requirement does not extend to Arabs or Palestinians. However, those exempt may serve voluntarily, and they do! For example, the IDF has …

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Commemorating Israel’s Six-Day War: Day 3

Welcome back friends! We’re in the midst of the 56th anniversary of the Six Day War, one of the most critical events in Israel’s history. Out-equipped and severely out-manned, Israel went to war with her Arab neighbors who threatened to annihilate the tiny Jewish state. Day 3 of the war was one of the most …

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