Israel continues preparations for a major Gaza offensive as about 40,000 IDF reservists begin reporting for duty at training bases on Tuesday morning, Ynet reports. Israelis showing up for duty say that they are not only showing up for Israel, but for the friends and comrades they have made connections with during this time of unprecedented conflict.
Last week, IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir reiterated the importance of sharing the burden of service equally. “Against the backdrop of challenges on all fronts, Israel’s security requires the full participation of all parts of the nation,” he said during a visit to Gaza. “This is a civic duty and a national calling. I call on everyone to enlist and contribute equally—this is the need of the hour.”
Zamir praised reservists as the backbone of Israel’s defense: “Thanks to our reservists, Israel stands tall against all enemies. Your sacrifice is an inspiration to us all. Conscripts, career soldiers and tens of thousands of reservists are answering the call and sacrificing their personal lives, together with their families, for the security of the state. You embody the deepest expression of Israeli solidarity and commitment to the country’s future.”
It’s not just entirely new soldiers. Older reservists who had done three to four tours of duty already are also volunteering to return to service. At the same time, Israeli families continue to navigate the fear and worry about their loved ones answering the call. The Fellowship is all too familiar with this, and we continue to support IDF soldiers and their families in the face of war and terror.
