As someone who grew up in a Dutch military family, I’ve always had a deep appreciation for soldiers and service. Yet, nothing prepared me for the admiration I would develop for the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), an army that, to me, represents the highest standards of morality, discipline, and humanity.

When I walked the streets of Israel before October 7th, I saw young men and women in uniform, not as machines of war, but as individuals with deep souls and purpose. There’s something profoundly moving about seeing soldiers who are not only trained in tactics and defense but are also steeped in the history of their people, the legacy of the Jewish homeland, and the values of democracy and compassion. These aren’t just warriors, they are guardians of a people and a moral vision.

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