A Tribute to IDF: When the World Turns Its Back

The world has turned its back on Israel, and to me, it’s surreal.

On April 28th, I stood on stage at Time To Stand Up For Israel, delivering a heartfelt speech, sharing truths, and calling for unity against hate. The event was peaceful, dignified, and rooted in love for the Jewish people and the State of Israel.

And then came the hate; uninvited, loud, and full of venom.

Underneath a photo of myself speaking at the event, a former Middle East correspondent commented. Her words weren’t just disagreement, they dripped with contempt. With shocking confidence and little understanding, she proclaimed her moral superiority. She claimed to have been in Gaza, Israel, Iraq, so she “knew everything.” For a moment, I was stunned. How could someone who has seen the reality up close fall for the oldest tricks in the book?

But then it hit me.

Of course, she’s pro-Palestinian. Not just in a humanitarian way, but in the way where truth is twisted and lies are repackaged as facts. A journalist is a powerful tool, especially for those who know how to play the game of manipulation. Palestinians have mastered Taqiyya, a tactic of deception when facing enemies. I’ve seen it. I’ve lived it. As a teenager in the Middle East, I wasn’t important enough to lie to. I saw their real face. I witnessed the contrast between the soft voice, in English, they use for the cameras and the venom they speak in Arabic when the lights are off.

And so, I became a lifelong supporter of Israel. A proud Zionist.

Through the years, I’ve met many people,Arabs and Jews alike. And among them, I met a dear friend. A hero of Israel. He would never call himself that, he shuns attention but to me, he is a saint.

He’s one of the strongest yet gentlest souls I know. When I despair over the ignorance and cruelty of comments like the one from that journalist, he brings me back to reason. He reminds me that many people are simply misled, not evil. This is remarkable, especially coming from someone who has lived a life full of sacrifice and service.

He enlisted in the IDF in 1972, volunteering for the General Staff Patrol. He trained as a squad commander and fought under Yoni Netanyahu during the Yom Kippur War. He was wounded in Kfar Dorin. He returned, completed officer training with honors, and led operations across some of the most dangerous terrains.

He fought in the Galilee Peace War in 1982, was wounded again, and came back—this time leading rescue efforts in complicated missions alongside figures like Avi Dichter. His record of service continued with the Shin Bet, where he rose to senior positions, including head of the Human Resources Division. He served as a security officer in Toronto and led critical operations across continents.

After retiring, he didn’t rest. He built successful companies and now works tirelessly to establish Arabic language and culture training programs in Europe, because he understands the danger of ignorance. Even now, at age 70, he returned to serve in the reserves during this war. His son, also a commander in the IDF and already a decorated hero, has just returned from 16 months of combat. Yet he may be called back any day.

This is every Israeli parent’s nightmare.

And yet, the world looks at these men and dares to curse them.

They call them monsters, occupiers, criminals. But these are the most moral soldiers in the world. They are thinkers, scholars, animal lovers, parents, poets. They are engineers and dreamers. They are not driven by hate but by duty to protect their people, their homeland, and yes, the very moral code their enemies despise.

My love for Israel is eternal. And so is my love and deep respect for the soldiers of the IDF.

To the world that has chosen to look away I say this: Your silence won’t make us weaker. Your lies won’t erase the truth. Your hate cannot compete with our love for this land and its people.

And to my friend, my quiet hero, and to all who serve with honor: Thank you.

Am Yisrael Chai.