IDF Soldiers Spread Light All Year Round

The Fellowship  |  December 19, 2017

Those of us who stand for Israel marvel at the brave men and women who protect the Jewish state and her people. But that’s not all the IDF does. At this time of year which should be joyous, but can be sorrowful or stressful for many, these stories of IDF soldiers who volunteer their time to help Israel’s neediest truly shine a light:

Maj. Maor began playing with LEGOs at the age five and at age 30 his passion resurfaced, “I collected a lot of LEGO sets and at a certain point they took over the whole house,” he said. Maj. Maor started accumulating LEGO sets, and thanks to his friend’s suggestion, he realized that they could give him a great opportunity to help children. He volunteers with pediatric cancer patients and can’t imagine his life without them. “I know the children and what each of them likes. One day, a boy who had been undergoing chemotherapy asked the doctor to hospitalize him. When the doctor asked why, he answered  ‘Because I want Maor to come and bring me a LEGO.’ That day I surprised him at his house with a LEGO set….”

An oncology ward is not a place that people want to be in, but for the past three years, Sergeant Y, who serves in the Intelligence Corps, has been making it a better place. Twice a week, Sgt. Y spends time with the children of Zichron Menachem, an organization that helps pediatric cancer patients and their families.  For Sgt. Y, this isn’t just a volunteer position, it’s personal. “We are good friends and they even join in my family’s events and celebrations,” said Sgt. Y…