My Visit to an IDF Base

As the IDF gathers on the border of Lebanon I hear a lot about fire power and danger on the news. I also think about a visit I made in Israel once to an IDF base with some French performers for a concert. The first hour we were allowed to freely roam amongst tanks and a display of weaponry. Better yet we had ample opportunity to mingle amongst the very young women and men that were doing their compulsory military service. They could all answer questions about the equipment but like young people everywhere they were far more interested in life in the US and France and what was cool there. They posed gladly for pictures with a shy demeanor.

They flirted amongst themselves and danced to the music with great joy at the concert. They ate with relish at the buffet provided after and sang songs of their own. They hugged and partied and had a hell of a time. They were so very young yet so very sure and came from all different backgrounds. Some had long hair and some orthodox dressings but all seemed as one. Tonight some of them are awaiting orders to cross a border and fight. I hope they remember some of the good times and remember that those on the other side of that border have memories also.