The following is an extract from the writer’s forthcoming book Heroes of PALMAR:
Last year, during Hanukkah on the Gaza front, a profound moment of unity and inspiration transpired when Col. Richard Kemp, CBE, a distinguished figure with a storied military background, stood alongside my IDF unit to light the candles. As we watched the candles flickering in my special Hanukkah menorah – crafted from IDF cartridge cases – the colonel’s presence brought a sense of solemnity and significance to the occasion.
The words of the “Al hanissim” (“for the miracles”) prayer that we recited – “The few against the many… in those days [137-134 BCE] and at this time [Hanukkah]" – held an unmistakable meaning for us in our current struggle against the darkness of radical Islamic terror.
Kemp’s poignant reminder of historic events, from Gen. Edmund Allenby’s symbolic entry into Jerusalem to the valiant efforts of the Jewish Legion during World War I, underscored the enduring spirit of resilience and courage that defines our fight for freedom and justice.
In a moment of reflection, I asked Kemp about the source of his untiring support and eloquent defense of the IDF and the Jewish state. His response resonated deeply with me. As a veteran of 30 years of service and a seasoned commander in combat zones across the globe, Kemp cited his admiration for the morality of the IDF, rooted in a childhood lesson of discerning right from wrong.
Three key reasons
Drawing upon his vast experience, Kemp highlighted three key reasons for the IDF’s exceptional commitment to safeguarding civilian lives during the conflict.
First, he emphasized Israel’s democratic principles and Western values, underlining the country’s inherent desire for peace and self-defense.
Then, he acknowledged the profound influence of Judaism’s moral standards on the citizens of Israel, a testament to the nation’s ethical foundation.
Finally, he commended the army’s composition of citizen soldiers, its ordinary individuals called upon to defend their homes with unflinching dedication.
Resolute defense of the IDF
In a world in which propaganda and malice often cloud the truth, Kemp’s resolute defense of the IDF and the Jewish state is a model of moral clarity and integrity. His stalwart support for Israel’s right to defend itself and his unequivocal condemnation of Hamas’s war crimes underscore his commitment to truth and justice.
Kemp’s observations on the IDF’s extraordinary efforts to prevent civilian casualties in Gaza, from advanced warning measures to aborting missions to safeguard innocent lives, highlight the army’s unparalleled commitment to ethical conduct during armed conflict.
He condemns Hamas, which in stark contrast, deliberately uses civilian populations as shields, a blatant violation of international law and human decency. As he pointed out: “No army takes such risks to protect civilians as the Israeli army does. I say this as a professional soldier. I say it because it’s true, and people who care about truth should know it.
“The final thing I would say is that the IDF are our friends and allies, and they are fighting the same war we are to protect Western civilization. How could any civilized and right-thinking Westerner not support that fight? I, one hundred percent, unequivocally, and completely support the IDF and all the soldiers in it.”
Kemp’s unequivocal stance in defense of Western civilization and the shared values that bind us together demonstrates his unwavering friendship with the Jewish people, the IDF, and the State of Israel. In a world fraught with challenges and uncertainties, his steadfast advocacy for truth and justice, along with his admiration for the ethical conduct of the IDF, is a shining light in the darkness.
We salute you, Col. Kemp, for your unwavering support and eloquent defense of the IDF. Your courage, integrity, and moral clarity inspire us all to stand firm in the face of adversity and uphold the values that unite us as allies and friends. Thank you for your unfaltering dedication and commitment to the cause of justice and righteousness.
I brought my “Heavy Metal Menorah” to my unit for the past two years, proudly lighting that hanukkiah for my IDF unit in Gaza, and singing together with my fellow IDF brothers and sisters in arms from all different ethnic and religious backgrounds the “Al Hanissim” prayer of Hanukkah, thinking of the significance of the words “The few against the many… in those days and at this time.”
This extract is from the writer’s forthcoming book Heroes of PALMAR: How One IDF Unit Revolutionized Combat Medicine in Gaza. The book will be available soon from Gefen Publishing.