There is no doubt that Israeli soldiers are true heroes who fight to protect Israel and all of its citizens . It is also important to honor those who have already served, for they have done their service and have fought for our nation. In order to understand them and honor them, TABC's Eye of the Storm staff interviewed Doctor Berman, in order to understand our science instructor and his experience as an Israeli veteran to help us gain a new appreciation for the soldiers who fight for our true home.
EOTS: When did you serve in the Israeli Army?
Doc: 1979-1980
EOTS: Why did you decide to go to the Israeli army?
Doc: I missed the draft for Vietnam -thank G-d. My Dad suggested that I spend some time with family in Israel, and I decided to stay.
EOTS: What would you say to new recruits?
Doc: You will be told to do the impossible and be yelled at when you cannot fulfill it...you won't be able to fulfill these impossible tasks, so don't sweat it. Another piece of advice is help your friend when you can and share in their work. It will help you make true friends that are willing to help you any situation...ignoring their pleas can really add up against you. My last piece of advice I’d give to new recruits is that a lot of the strain is mental; sure you have to be physically fit in order to survive, but most of it is in your head.
EOTS: How did you feel the day you left the army?
Doc: I remember the day I got to leave: I was walking with my duffle over my shoulders and I passed a training field filled with new recruits and a drill sergeant, and I proceeded to ask the drill sergeant, “Where do I bring my release papers.” This upset the new recruits. I probably shouldn't have done that, but the feeling that I felt the most was freedom. I could do what I wanted. I would miss the camaraderie though.
You forge true friends in the military...but the freedom was unreal.
EOTS: What did the military teach you and how do you apply it to this day?
Doc: It taught one of the biggest lessons out there: how to deal with discomfort. It is thanks to the military that I don't mind if it is hot or cold or if I have to skip a meal every now and then. It also taught me how to be responsible.
EOTS: If you could do over your entire military experience, would you and why?
Doc: I have no regrets for my time in the army, however I would rather become a talmud Chacham instead of the going to the IDF. I did learn a lot from my time in the army though. Now would I change something? Of course only a fool wouldn’t change the past if they could for the better. An example of this is how people would improve upon davening, slowly but surely building up their faith. Would I change things? Of course. But do I regret anything? No, I do not.