FIDF Salutes Israeli Soldiers Including Christian Arab Woman

Friends of Israel Defense Forces (FIDF) saluted Israel Defense Forces (IDF) soldiers from main religions in Israel on Tuesday's episode of “FIDF LIVE.” The 12th episode of the program, called “Tzvah Ha’am” (Army of the People), featured a Muslim Arab, a Christian Arab, a Druze and a Jew, all of who serve as soldiers in the IDF and will fly into action at a moment’s notice. It usually comes as a surprise to people when they learn that there are Arab Israelis who serve in the IDF. Some are from Israel’s Druse community. The Druse are Arabs, but neither Christians nor Muslims. They have their own distinct religion. Like Jews, they consider themselves to be a nation of people. But they do not lay claim to any specific territory as their own. Then there are the Bedouin who live in the Negev. They are both Arabs and Muslims and they do tend to serve in the IDF. The episode opened with a look at the diversity of the soldiers of the Golani Battalion stationed in Har Dov on Israel's northern border with Lebanon, including an interview with Sgt. Anton, a Lone Soldier from Washington State who serves in the 12th Golani Combat Battalion. It also featured Sgt. Maj. Jennifer – A COGAT (Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories) soldier who, as a Christian Arab, chose to serve in the IDF and now builds bridges with the Palestinian community as an officer. The episode included a briefing from Lt. (Res.) Yuval Klein – a reservist in the Search and Rescue Unit who discussed the concept of milluim (reserves) and shared his experience as part of the rescue team sent to Surfside, Florida a few weeks ago. There was also an interview with Staff Sgt. Sagie is a Lone Soldier from San Diego serving in the paratrooper’s brigade. There was also an interview with 2nd Lt. Mayyan, an IDF education officer, who works with soldiers from the Bedouin Trackers Unit, and Staff Sgt. A., a Muslim soldier from the Bedouin Trackers Unit. The FIDF LIVE platform, hosted by American stand-up comedian and author Joel Chasnoff, is a broadcast experience that provides an alternative to in-person experiences and brings awareness of FIDF’s cause and activities to a broader audience. FIDF LIVE airs on FIDF’s website every other week at 8:30 PM ET. By introducing content through this platform, the FIDF is keeping the community’s connection with Israel alive and thriving. FIDF has always been a bridge between Americans and Israelis, and this virtual experience continues that tradition in a novel way, serving as the place for everyone who loves Israel and wants to stay connected.