Image: IDF Blog (see below)
A number of IDF reservists living and working in Europe, Africa, and America have rushed back to Israel to help “Operation Protective Edge” succeed. First Sergeant Felix Neuber immigrated from the Ukraine in 1990 as a 17-year-old boy. He was drafted into the Civil Administration at 18 in a role defined as “combat support,” but did his best to change that. After a year and a half, he was reassigned to “Armored Corps,” where he took basic training and combat training until he qualified to become an official member of the corps. “I felt I could contribute more,” Neuber says. When compulsory services were completed, he began reserve duty with the Armored Corps.
Even after moving to Finland with his wife three months ago, Neuber told the army he’d show up for every call-up. He wouldn’t give up his place in the reserves even though he wasn’t living in Israel. When reservists were called up for “Operation Protective Edge,” he responded immediately. “The bond between brothers in arms goes all the way,” he says. “I would do anything to serve alongside my comrades.”
Master Sgt. Dotan Malka, 33, who lives in Amsterdam, also flew straight to Israel and into “Operation Protective Edge” two weeks ago. “There wasn’t even a question whether I’d show up for reserve duty. I wouldn’t give it up under any circumstances,” the Paratroopers Brigade reservist says.
Major Eldar Ben Or, 29, and his wife moved to the United States, following his officer’s training as commander of a reconnaissance unit of paratroopers in Israel. Three hours after his reserve unit was called up for “Operation Protective Edge,” Ben Or had a plane ticket, which he paid for himself and headed back into battle. “I wouldn’t leave my soldiers alone. You can’t relax when you’re so far away,” Ben Or says.
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Source: IDF Blog (image), Israel Hayom
