A Good News Story. Israel’s IDF Chief.

It’s not often we get to write a good news story; however, this Rosh Hashanah provided just such a story. Herzi Halevi, IDF Chief of Staff, travelled from his home in Kfar Haoranim, near Modiin, to pray the Rosh Hashana prayers with ten soldiers at an outpost on Route 433. Herzi Halevi refused to violate the Yom tov by taking transport. Instead, he walked on foot.

Halevi displayed genuine leadership and humility in undertaking this gesture. He showed himself to be one of the people no better, no worse. This action can only galvanize Israel’s soldiers behind him in peace and war. He showed there was no room for aloofness to be a leader. But rather a reassuring presence among the young men and women who place their lives in danger daily to protect their fellow Jews.

This soldier is very aware of the weaknesses to overcome, the hardships to be borne, and the task of winning any war that may come Israel’s way at any time. His spiritual calm is reflected in the single-minded purpose with which he approaches his duty. The state can be thankful that General Herzi Halevi holds the national interest at heart.

Yosef Yigal Drever

Yosef Yigal Drever and Sylvia Drever co-founded Achdut HaLev in 2006 to reach out to the Jewish community's around the world providing support in learning Torah and promoting the 'Return of the Jewish people to the Land of Israel.' Yosef Yigal made Aliya in 2014 while Sylvia his wife is an Israeli. In late 2014 Achdut HaLev concentrated all its resources towards Aliya and the rebuilding of Eretz Yisrael. Excluding none and embracing all. The commandment to settle the Land of Israel is equal in importance to all the Torah Commandments all together: (Sifri Deut 12:29)