Since I last left off, I had been in America enjoying seeing my family and taking a breather from the army. Well, I returned for about another two to three weeks in the army. Same old, same old: guard duty, patrols, and occasionally missions. Like I've mentioned before, I really enjoyed kav because in your free time, you decide what to do with it. Work out, phone friends and family, read lots of books that are on your reading list, drink coffee with the guys (minus the disgusting cigarettes that Israelis feel are required when drinking coffee), or sleep. Well all good things must come to an end, and this past week we finished our deployment in the northern West Bank separation barrier. I will miss the beautiful views we had there:
Anyways, we are now starting our summer training. It will be really, really hot because all our field maneuvers are in the Jordan river valley. This region, while stunning, is quite literally the lowest plain, altitude wise, in the world and is baked by the fierce sun. Luckily for me, I will not only do my training there, but I will do my training with my old friend the heavy and bulky machine gun.
One great benefit of the summer training, however, is that I get out for the vast majority of my weekends including getting out on Thursdays. Can you say beach and friends??
Furthermore, our base is back on our old training base, however, since I have finished training, I now live in the special section of the base that is set aside for us. The atmosphere there is magical. Everyone is walking around on t-shirts, shorts, and sandals. The paths are well tended and every three steps is another place for plushy furniture and places to make coffee. There is a huge lounge and decks for grilling. I guess after absolutely crushing us for an year and three months, there are some benefits to getting into a special unit. I have to say that my unit is really awesome, the feeling of brotherhood is very intense and everyone looks out for one another.
I don't have too much to add. As many of you know, the Israeli elections finished recently and a very unstable right wing government was formed. We'll see where Netanyahu will lead the country. My two cents is that the government will collapse again. If not, it will be very disappointing if the ultra-Orthodox parties succeed in overturning the legislature that would have forced them to draft into the army or national service. Its past time for a sea change in their society and to realize that Israel is their state as well and that protecting the Jewish people is a national burden that they as a segment of the Jewish nation are required to shoulder.
Until next time. עד מתי?
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