I hope that this letter will be read, and internalized, not only by you pilots, but by all the people of Israel, those who live in Zion – and those who live in the Diaspora.
Related Stories:
This letter will be translated into English and Spanish, so everyone will be able to understand the magnitude of the hour. We will overcome our differences as in the verse "It is a time of trouble for Jacob, but he shall be delivered from it.” (Jeremiah 30,7)
- in times of trouble we are strengthened, things become clear and in the end - we only grow from it.
In the last few weeks, our partners, from all over the world, the USA, Argentina, and Australia, have been asking me if what is portrayed in the world media is really true? Is the IDF in danger? Of course, my answer to everyone is sharp and clear - our nation is stronger than the sum of all its parts - and certainly stronger than a handful of people who have lost their way.
Last Shabbat, we were in Eilat with more than 400 people with special needs, those with disabilities, and volunteers from our organization Kanfey Ruach.
At midnight I gave a talk, attended by volunteers, trainees, medical team and technical teams – representing the diversity of our people. And I said, according to the Gemara in tractate Shabbat and Rabbi Kook's commentary on it, that a free bird - even if you imprison it - matures and lives a life of freedom!! The cage cannot cause her to suffer! She knows who she is, and what she is worth, and most of all, no one can break it!!
Just as despite physical disabilities we rappelled – this is true on so many levels - when you know who you are, then no matter what experience you go through, even if you are imprisoned, you will remain free!
I told them that in the last few weeks, our nation has faced a real crisis and we need to be attentive to all parties. Really. And now we are being tested, are we an ordinary bird that when there is difficulty it surrenders or are we a free bird that even when imprisoned is free! She knows that everything is good and you can't imprison the spirit. And we'll get through it together. This is of the individual, and it is true for the nation in general. The nation knows it is strong.
Kanfey Ruach is working to build a just society where everyone is equal, both those with disabilities and those without, a society where they truly respect and accommodate each other, and do not protest different opinions and don’t leave behind those who need your help so much, then it should be easy to accommodate differences of opinion in worldviews even in other essential matters.
But you pilots, you crossed a line, you don't have to shout, you have to do something. Put aside your pilot's wings for a moment and wear spiritual wings for a few moments.
Let me explain. I am the CEO of an apolitical organization focusing on a goal, in Israel and abroad. And that's exactly the point. It's apolitical! Differences of opinion are certainly allowed and it is important that we have them. But some things are basic and are at the root of our very lives, private and national. One of them is the Israel Defense Forces. And it must not be harmed in any way either for political capital or for personal advancement.
When I lecture abroad, I am proud of my people, of my country, I always emphasize that there is nowhere in the world as sensitive to individual needs. Nowhere in the world are there so many and such diverse charitable organizations as in Israel. And of course, nowhere else do we find such high percentages of dedication to service - fathers who leave everything for almost two months a year to command a reserve company.
And suddenly, here you are with your arrogance and ingratitude, using the most sacred body that our nation built after returning from 2000 years of persecution, and flaunt it? If they don't do exactly what you want you refuse to serve? If in the summer they do this and that – we will refuse to serve in the reserves? This is worse than anything!
Two weeks ago, a fighter (one of 130 fighters) called me and told me that he would no longer serve in the reserves because of the reform. He wants to jump off the train before it reaches the extermination camp. I talked to him for a long time. I told him that on a personal level, I love him, but that he should know two things.
And I say the same to you, pilots,
1 - we will manage without you, it’s OK
2 – Our nation will not suffer your insults. He who reserves his love for the nation according to his needs is not worthy to serve with us. Love of our country is not conditional and if you think so you are not fit to serve with us.
And guess what? Two days later he wrote me a long letter that he retracts his refusal, and that he will understand if I don't agree to accept it, but he really wants me to allow him to return and be a soldier in the company.
Of course, I accepted his return. I told him that our nation has been through so much and that I appreciate his honesty and sincerity. And it is clearly his apology is accepted. He deserves to wear wings. Wings of spirit. He understood that there is something bigger than him and bigger than any individual - the security of Israel.
My grandfather served on the beaches of Normandy in the U.S. Army, the purple heart decoration and the folded triangle flag are in honor in my office, I am named after a pilot who was killed in Operation X in the Korean War.
My parents made Aliyah, each one alone and without family and settled in the Golan. I am honored, I say again dear pilots, I am honored to be a reserve combat commander. Our nation has always been a free bird, in the face of atrocities in Yemen and Morocco, in the Inquisition and the terrible holocaust, and yes, even when some pilots threaten us that they will refuse to serve if... we always knew who we were.
So on a practical level, I'm not a political person, Kanfey Ruach serves special needs individuals from all sectors. Our struggle with you is not a political struggle. Those who know me personally, know I am far from agreeing on everything that happens in the realm of politics - on the right - and on the left.
But you don't touch the IDF! Whoever threatens the stability of the IDF must be held responsible not just to me or to Kanfey Ruach or to a certain sector of the population - but to all the Jews in all generations whose souls are looking at us now.
Time to speak up! Therefore, pilots refusing to serve or those demanding to serve on condition - we demand of you. Make a decision! Either a public apology for the disgrace you caused, as my reserve soldier humbly did. Or immediate dismissal from the IDF. Including demotion to the rank of private
As in the example of the father who says that if his son does not behave as he wants - he is no longer his son, we will need to do some national soul-searching so that our nation will know that everyone who wears a uniform is ready to defend with his body and unconditionally for our beloved country. Attached is a link to a post from the front-line service we did last summer.
Hopefully, we will be rid of the background noise of the refuseniks soon, with help from everyone - very soon. People of Israel everywhere you will know that the attached post is the truth - and that the regular and reserve IDF is there for you. Yours, always,
Major Aharon Zohar, #7184180.