Joining the IDF: How One Soldier Makes It Easy for Immigrants

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Posted on May 6, 2012 by idfspokesperson

Are you a new immigrant to Israel who wants to draft to the IDF? Daunted by the bureaucracy and impossible Hebrew?

That’s where Private Leron Ergas comes in. The 27-year-old from Los Angeles, California is the IDF coordinator for new immigrants. His sole job in the IDF is to help new immigrants — olim hadashim, in Hebrew — navigate each step of joining the IDF, whether in English, Spanish and Hebrew.

Pvt. Leron Ergas (right) with other soldiers of the Meitav unit at the Kotel.

“We are pioneers in this idea,” said Ergas, who’s manned the position in the Meitav unit since February of 2012. Until a few years ago, new immigrants who wished to join the IDF had to navigate the entire process by themselves, without a special contact who could help them. Leron explains:

“We are experiencing exponential growth. When we help one oleh he tells his friends, who in turn tell their friends and so on and so forth. We can do everything from A to Z for the prospective soldiers. Today, there are three times the amount of assistance requests than there were when this position first began just one year ago.”

Until their draft day, Leron can offer draftees much-needed bureaucratic assistance. If necessary, he will attend a new immigrant’s Tzav Rishon (initial army interview) to help smooth the way. Once basic training begins, Leron transfers a soldier’s files to their social worker on base.

New IDF recruits put on their uniforms for the first time.

Eager to Serve

Per army law, every new immigrant of military age has one year to acclimate to Israeli culture and learn some Hebrew before being drafted.

Not every immigrant wants to wait that long. Any oleh who wants to waive their year of acclimation and draft early may do so if they file a request and receive IDF approval.

“One guy came to us with his suitcase in-hand, having just arrived in a cab from the airport ready to draft,” Leron recalled. “Although we admired his enthusiasm, we had to turn him away and suggest that he join an ulpan [Hebrew learning course] beforehand.”

Learn More

Ergas is glad to have found meaningful service in the IDF.

“Although I am busy working potential draftees cases all day long, it pleases me to know I am busy because people from around the world are coming to Israel to serve.”

More information about drafting as a lone soldier can be found at:

Website: idfinfo.co.il

Email: idfoleh@gmail.com

Phone: 057-816-2729

If you found this post interesting, read more about becoming an IDF soldier, or check out the IDF website. For live updates, follow us on Twitter.

5 Reasons Why You Should Care About the Negev

Posted on May 4, 2012 by idfspokesperson

To outsiders, the Negev Desert may look barren and inhospitable. But to the Israel Defense Forces, the Negev is vital for the defense of the state.

Israel's map size in scaled comparison. (Source: AIPAC)

Let’s look into why that is.

The Negev covers more than half of Israel’s total land area — roughly 13,000 square km (4,700 sq mi) — but is home to only a small percentage of Israel’s civilian population.

The Negev Desert is over half the size of Israel, 70% of which is IDF training zones

In a country as small as Israel, any open space is precious. The Negev is home to numerous IDF training bases and firing zones. In fact, 70% of the Negev is IDF training areas.

1) Less crowded. While fighter pilots in larger countries can easily train in their own airspace without worrying about crossing any borders, Israeli pilots do not have that luxury. When flying at twice the speed of sound, Israeli fighter pilots run out of space quickly. The only place in Israel where pilots have even a small amount of open space to train is the Negev.

IDF Pilots Fly Over Israel's Negev Desert

2) The past. The Negev has been crucial to Israel’s security since the 1948 War of Independence, when it was first infiltrated by the Egyptians. As David Ben-Gurion, Israel’s first prime minister, said: “The Negev is the place where the Jewish people will be tested.”

3) The present. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu thinks so nowadays as well:

“The value of the land is enormous… We [Israelis] are very concentrated in the center of the country, therefore, we must decentralize our national life in all main areas, with the IDF and security first and foremost.”

In fact, the IDF is doing just that. These days, the army is moving its training bases from the center of the country and relocating them all to one huge site in the northern Negev.

4) Smart investments. As a result of the IDF’s move, large amounts of valuable territory in the center of the country will be returned to the state, and also there will be more development and job creation in southern Israel. The project, called “Bahad City” (“Training Base City”), is one of the most ambitious projects that the IDF has conducted in the past decade.

5) Zionism. Ben-Gurion dream’s was to make the Negev bloom. He also understood the importance of the Negev to Israel’s security. Following his retirement from politics in 1970, Ben-Gurion moved to Kibbutz Sde Boker, in the heart of the Negev. Upon his death in 1973, Negev University was renamed in his honor. His own words:

“The state of Israel, to exist, must go south.”

The construction of the Negev bases is already underway

If you found this post interesting, you can check out news about the Southern Command or the IDF website. For live updates, follow us on Twitter.

IDF Receives Fourth Dolphin Submarine

Posted on May 3, 2012 by idfspokesperson

In a ceremony conducted today in HDW shipyards in the city of Kiel, Germany, Israel assumed control of a fourth Dolphin-class submarine. The submarine, titled the Tanin (Crocodile), was inaugurated by Israeli and German officials, who broke a bottle of champagne on the submarine’s outer hull. It was officially handed over to the Ministry of Defense and the Israeli Navy following the acquisition and development process led by the Ministry of Defense and the Israeli Navy. Representatives of the Ministry of Defense and the IDF Navy attended the event.

"the submarine will amplify the capabilities of the IDF and the State of Israel's strength" (Credit: AP)

The Tanin will reach Israeli shores during 2013 after concluding a series of tests and inspections. It is considered to be one of the world’s most advanced submarines and is the IDF’s most expensive purchase. The Dolphin-class submarine is a versatile tool that can adjust itself to a variety of tasks.

The Minister of Defense, Lieutenant General (res.) Ehud Barak, congratulated the IDF and Ministry of Defense personnel involved in the purchase: “the submarine will amplify the capabilities of the IDF and the State of Israel’s strength. The Navy has undergone strategic changes over the past few years that place it at the forefront of the battle over the safety of Israel, as the long arm of the IDF. The agreement reflects the strong relations with Germany and the German government’s commitment to Israeli security.”

The Chief of the General Staff, Lieutenant General Benny Gantz thanked the IDF and Ministry of Defense personnel while stressing the strategic importance of the submarines flotilla: “the Navy and the submarines flotilla, together with the other branches of the IDF are strategic components that deter, protect, and fight for the IDF and Israel. They will continue their efforts to ensure the safety of the citizens of Israel. ”

"the Navy and the submarines flotilla, together with the other branches of the IDF are strategic components that deter, protect, and fight for the IDF and Israel"

The CEO of the Ministry of Defense, Udi Shani, said that the ceremony: “represents, more than anything else, the deep and unique bond Israel and Germany share, particularly in light of the regional developments and the growing challenges.”

The Navy Commander, Vice Admiral Ram Rotberg stated that “with the global nature of threats, the relationship between Israel and Germany is more critical than ever before.”

Last month, the Minister of Defense, Lieutenant General (res.) Ehud Barak signed a construction and supply contract for a new and improved submarine scheduled to arrive in Israel during 2017. It will be the sixth submarine, following the fifth that will arrive in 2015 and the fourth that was launched today.

The submarines flotilla represents the long arm of the Navy, the IDF and Israel. The flotilla personnel regularly perform intensive operational activity near and far, operating away from the public spotlight. These submarines, together with the ones that will follow, will double the number of existing Israeli submarines. They are an essential part of the effort to protect the citizens of Israel.

Today in History: Hamas Abducts Cpl. Ilan Saadon

Posted on May 3, 2012 by idfspokesperson

Today, 23 years ago, Cpl. Ilan Saadon was hitchhiking on a road near his base. Hamas terrorists abducted him and headed for the Gaza Strip. They killed him during the ride. His body was buried in the area of Palmachim; it was found 7 years later, on August 12, 1996.

The Hamas terrorist organization was founded by Sheikh Ahmed Yassin in 1987. In the beginning of the first Intifada in the late 1980s, Yassin ordered his men to abduct and kill as many Israeli soldiers as they could. On May 3, 1989, Ilan and his friend hitched a ride in Re’em (Masmia) junction — common behavior in those days, since public transportation was inconvenient.

A white Subaru with Israeli license plates stopped by the junction. Inside the car, Hamas terrorists Mahmoud Mabhouh and Muhammad Nasser, disguised as orthodox Jews, offered only Ilan a ride, as there was space for only one more passenger. Ilan parted from his friend and got in the car.

Cpl. Ilan Saadon

Mabhouh and Nasser had planned to smuggle Ilan into the Gaza Strip and demand that Palestinian prisoners be released in exchange for the Israeli soldier. However, an IDF patrol car was in the area, and the terrorists instead turned north toward Palmachim.

Once at Palmachim, Ilan struggled with his abductors and tried to escape, but he was shot and killed. Mabhouh and Nasser buried Ilan in the area and then returned to the Gaza Strip.

Two days later, on May 5, 1989, Ilan was declared missing when he didn’t show up to his base in Latrun. Search and rescue teams looked everywhere for him. They discovered the white Subaru with Ilan’s blood stains and fingerprints, but his body was not found.

During their search for Ilan’s body, Israeli authorities discovered the body of another missing soldier, Sgt. Avi Sasportas, in the area surrounding the Gaza Strip. Avi was a medic in Maglan, an elite combat unit. On February 16, 1989, he hitched a ride from Hodaya Junction. He, too, was kidnapped and killed by two Hamas terrorists, who buried him near Givati Junction.

Sgt. Avi Sasportas

Seven years later, in the spring of 1996, Israeli authorities received two maps drawn by Mahmoud Nasser that revealed Ilan’s burial site. Reaching it was a challenge — in the years since Ilan’s abduction, a new road was paved in the area. Nonetheless, search teams tore up part of the road, and after many calculations and cross-referencing, they started digging.

On August 11, 1996, Ilan Saadon’s body was found Between Gan Rave interchange and Gan Soreq. He was laid to rest in the Military Cemetary of Ashkelon, in his hometown.

Cpl. Ilan Saadon's mother with his portrait (Credit: EPA)

Hamas Tactics

Since its founding more than two decades ago, Hamas leaders have encouraged their followers to kidnap IDF soldiers and use them as bargaining chips in exchange for prisoners incarcerated in Israel due to their terror activities.

Archive: Khaled Meshaal, Chief of Hamas

“I say to all armed factions: the way to free the prisoners is through swaps … An arrest for an arrest, and freedom for freedom. This is the way!” — Khaled Al-Batsh, senior leader of the Islamic Jihad, April 25, 2012

Hamas knows that Israel and the IDF value human life, and will do whatever it takes to bring every soldier home, in any condition. On October 18, 2011, Israel decided to release 1,027 palestinian prisoners in exchange of one soldier, SFC Gilad Shalit.

“The swap deal was a message to the (Israeli) occupation that the resistance and the Palestinian people will pursue every difficult avenue to break the chains of these heroes… We are in a battle for the prisoners, and we will either win, or we will win.”

–Ismail Haniyeh, April 25, 2012

Ismail Haniyeh: Head of Hamas leadership in the Gaza Strip

Omar Abu Sanina was one of the prisoner’s released in the Shalit deal. Recently, he sent a memory stick to his family in Judea and Samaria containing instructions on how to kidnap Israeli soldier.

“One should avoid hiding [the kidnapped soldier] in deserted places such as caves or forests, unless it’s their body or severed head. If dealing with a live person, which will need to be visited at least once a week (for supplying food etc.) it is best to hide them in a house, a farm, a workplace or similar.”

The IDF has adopted several new regulations as a response to Hamas’ tactics, banning any form of hitchhiking, teaching its soldiers Krav Maga and providing mace spray to all female soldiers. Although the IDF takes whatever precautions are possible, Hamas is continuing to do everything that it can to attack Israeli soldiers and civilians.

Guest Post: Cpt. Jameel Murad, Druze Sword Battalion

Posted on May 3, 2012 by idfspokesperson

Guest post by Captain Jameel Murad, a company commander of new recruits in the Sword (‘Herev’) Battalion, comprised entirely of Druze soldiers:

Every Druze child gets to hear about the Sword Battalion from birth, through the stories told by our parents and siblings, most of whom served there in their younger years. From the arduous training to the many operations which made IDF history, as well as the successes in the field—there’s a special sort of pride we take in this unit.

Cpt. Jameel Murad, company commander in the Sword Battalion

I enlisted to the army seven years ago, like many of the Druze my age. The experience was so amazingly unique, although I didn’t appreciate how much until I was sent out to my first commanding course. As a new recruit, you already know everyone, including the commanders who can both train you and empathize with you on the most personal level. That’s what makes the battalion so special – the soldiers, from the highest rank to the lowest, know each other from home.

There are a couple landmarks I’ll never forget – the ones which make it all worthwhile to be a combat soldier in the battalion. For instance, during my beret march, we went through all our villages in the north, and our parents walked alongside us, chests puffed out with pride.

Later on I took part in the Second Lebanon War. That was a time where the abilities of the single soldier, the fierceness and professionalism of the commanders and their men alike, brought us great success.

Today I’m a company commander of a company of new recruits, and I see things from a different angle. My soldiers are already the third generation after the Compulsory Service Law [which made service compulsory for Druze]. The soldiers understand the nature of their service and come to us with tons of motivation, especially for combat positions – they understand it’s an integral part being an Israeli teenager who wants to help protect his or her country. They see we’ve taken up the glove of defending our homeland, which gives back to us as much as we give up for Israel.

The Sword Battalion is an important starting point for a young Druze to progress in their life and “make headlines” in the army and the country at large. It’s an incredible battalion which I’m proud to be a part of.

56 years ago today, 30 Druze soldiers joined the ranks of the IDF – the first generation of official recruits. Since then 83% of Druze youth enlist to the IDF’s – more than the numbers of Jewish youth. The “Sword” (Herev) Battalion, comprised almost entirely of Druze soldiers, specializes in the Northern Command and is currently training in the Golan Heights.

If you found this post interesting, check out other IDF units, or read more on the IDF website. For real-time updates, follow us on Twitter.

How Do You Become an IDF Soldier?

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Posted on May 3, 2012 by idfspokesperson

Every year, thousands of soldiers — from Israel and all around the world — join the Israel Defense Forces. The one thing that nearly all IDF soldiers have in common is their draft day experience.

New IDF recruits put on their uniforms for the first time

What’s the first day like?

If you, too, are joining the IDF soon, or even thinking about doing so, perhaps you’ve wondered what your first day will be like. Here’s a brief preview of what will be a memorable day.

1. Recruitment Bureau: On the morning of your draft day, you will report to the location indicated on your draft notice. That place is called a “Lishkat Giyus” (Recruitment Bureau). They’re all around the country.

2. The Bakum: From your draft location, you’ll be taken by bus with other draftees to a base known as the Bakum. There you’ll begin your transition from civilian to soldier. At the Bakum, someone will always be available to help you move from station to station if you get confused.

(Men, if your hair is too long, you’ll get it cut at the Bakum. This is the military, after all. Ladies, you’ll have to put it in a topknot or ponytail if it’s over shoulder-length.)

3. Say Cheese! Stand in line to take a photograph for your army ID card. Rumor has it whoever smiles in their photograph will become an officer… act accordingly.

A new IDF recruit poses for the photo that will appear on his military ID

4. Personal Interview: After that, you’ll move on to one-on-one interviews, questionnaires, waivers and consent forms — sign here, date there, sign here again.

5. Biometric: Then you’ll have your fingerprints scanned, teeth x-rayed, blood samples taken, immunizations injected. Nothing hurts too much, we promise!

6. Soldier Up! Then it will be time for you to dress like a soldier. Shirts, pants, boots, socks and more — throw everything in your kit bag and move to the dressing rooms. At first, you won’t know how to wear your uniform properly, how to lace your boots or how to fold your beret. Word will spread about proper techniques — all the new recruits help each other.

(Take note — army sizes are really weird. Just see whatever fits you, don’t worry about the numbers.)

IDF recruits are handed their new army uniforms

7. Pause: The important thing is that you take a moment to look up at the mirror and see yourself in an IDF uniform. Congratulations — you’re now officially a soldier in the Israel Defense Forces.

8. And, Go: Don’t just stand there, though. In the army, being on time is of great importance. A bus will be waiting for you to take you to your basic training base.

Here to Help

To all the aspiring Israel Defense Forces soldiers: The IDF is here to help.

If you have questions about joining the IDF, please visit idfinfo.co.il. The website is maintained by IDF soldiers who were once new immigrants to Israel, and they have a great deal of knowledge and experience to share.

For personal questions, email idfoleh@gmail.com.

If you found this post interesting, you should check out the IDF website. For live updates, follow us on Twitter.

In Response to Rocket Fire, IAF Targets Terror Activity Site

Posted on May 2, 2012 by idfspokesperson

In response to the rockets fired at Israel, IAF aircraft targeted a terror tunnel in the northern Gaza Strip. A direct hit was confirmed. Since the beginning of 2012 more than 265 rockets fired from the Gaza Strip hit Israel.

In a separate incident earlier today, fire was opened at IDF soldiers performing routine operational activities near the security fence in the central Gaza Strip.

The IDF will not tolerate any attempt to harm Israeli residents, and will operate against anyone who uses terror against the State of Israel. The Hamas terror organization is solely responsible for any terrorist activity emanating from the Gaza Strip.

IDF Master Chef: Medical Corps

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Posted on May 1, 2012 by idfspokesperson

IDF medical squads have often proved to be effective and capable in the field, but do they know their way around the kitchen?

By day: IDF medical personnel. By other days: enterprising chefs

Today, the commanders of Training Base 6 (Hebrew: Bahad 6), the training base for the Medical Corps, set off to find the answer. In a competition meant to build team spirit, every medical squad — each from a different unit — received the same ingredients with one task at hand: make the best meal.

Before...

The Meals Presented by the Medics at the end of the Competition

And after.

For the next few hours, the hard-working medics focused their brains and creativity on making the best dish, rather than saving the next patient.

Looks complicated.

The medics present their dishes to the judges

Presenting the dishes to the panel of judges

In the end, one team was declared as the winner, and the competitors set down for a royal dinner. Doctor’s orders.

Who said army food wasn't up to par?

If you found this post interesting, check out other units in the IDF, or the IDF website. For live updates, follow us on Twitter.

Fire from Gaza Aimed at IDF Soldiers

Posted on May 1, 2012 by idfspokesperson

Earlier today fire was opened at IDF soldiers performing routine operational activities near the security fence in the central Gaza Strip.

Gazan terrorists prepare to launch rockets toward Israel

Two armored vehicles were damaged. An IAF aircraft and Armored Corps soldiers responded with fire towards suspicious locations. The IDF will take any actions necessary to defend the State of Israel. The Hamas terror organization is solely responsible for any terrorist activity emanating from the Gaza Strip.

For more live updates, follow our Twitter.

Spotlight: Captain Ariel Barebi

Posted on May 1, 2012 by idfspokesperson

Captain Ariel Barebi is a reconnaissance platoon commander in the 202nd Battalion in the Paratroopers Brigade. When not on duty, Captain Barebi is raising his two-month old daughter and living with his wife in Karkur.