By Yisroel Fletcher
“Kol Yisrael Areivim Zeh L’zeh” (“All Jews are responsible for one another”)
I am writing this article as I am sitting on an Elal flight on my way to Israel. Most people who fly to Israel in mid-July are flying there to enjoy the sun, beaches and relax whilst having an enjoyable holiday. I am flying to Israel to partake in Meluim, reserve duty for the IDF. I drafted into the IDF in 2009 and even after finishing my service have flown back and served as a reservist ever since.
Very often people will ask me why I do it, if the army really needs me. After all, will one more soldier really make such a difference? The truth is the army really doesn’t need me, but the answer to the question lies in the story of Purim. Esther was sent on a mission to save the Jewish people from the hands of Haman, and even had to risk her own life in the process. After Mordechai asked her to approach King Achashveirosh, Esther expressed concern at the danger of approaching the king uninvited. It was then that Mordechai answered with the following: If you, Esther, remain silent at this time, the rescue of the Jewish people will come from someone else. Mordechai was explaining to Esther that the Jewish people didn’t need her specifically, as God has a plan to save us anyway. God’s plan will take place with you or without you. Your job, Esther, is to decide whether or not you want to be a part of that plan.
In life we are given opportunities by God to do amazing things with our lives. Whether or not we want to accept those opportunities is left for us to decide. The ability to fight and defend the Jewish people is one of the most amazing privileges that we have ever been given as a people. To choose to take part in such a privilege is our decision, because either way God has an agenda. I am choosing to be an active participant in the current stage of God’s plan for His people, and if that requires me to speak Hebrew and eat tuna, then so be it.
