One IDF Soldier’s Journey from Gaza to Israel
The Fellowship | May 15, 2019
The Advocates and Allies of the Jewish people who we regularly tell you about each week often fall into the category of Righteous Gentiles — non-Jews who showed bravery, selflessness, and love for the Jewish people during the Holocaust. But every so often, we find an inspiring story from today. Such is the case of Staff Sergeant A, whose story is told by Ynet News’ Korin Elbaz Alush — the story of a Muslim born to Gazan parents who moved to Israel and whose son converted to Judaism and now bravely defends his holy homeland:
He was born to Muslim parents who relocated from the Gaza Strip to Israel some 30 years ago, and in two week’s time – on Independence Day – he is going to be a recipient of a special citation of excellence from the head of his division. Ironically, the family lives in Sderot, a city that has for years been suffering from rocket attacks fired by Gaza militants.
The 21-year-old Staff Sergeant A., is a career soldier in the Technology and Logistics Division and is currently preparing for an officers’ course he is about to start.
His parents moved to Israel when the borders were still open. They managed to successfully assimilate and build new lives over the border where they became parents to two sons, one of whom is Sergeant A. The two boys decided to convert to Judaism and later enlist in Israel Defense Forces.
He began his service supervising military workshops and was later appointed as the head of the planning and development division. In the last few months, before deciding to sign-up for the officer’s course, he served as operations officer of his platoon.
“I didn’t think I’d be able to achieve that, it’s a dream come true,” Sergeant A., said about receiving the citation of excellence. “Since I became a career soldier, I’ve worked insane hours and tried to do my best. I’m happy that it’s been appreciated because they told me they’re giving me the citation for my hard work…”