IDF salutes outstanding reservists

Ashkenazi: “I want to thank the wives, the children and the families for the dear price you pay every day."

By BEN HARTMAN
NYermiyahu Mizrachi 311 (photo credit: NBen Hartman)
NYermiyahu Mizrachi 311
(photo credit: NBen Hartman)
Several hundred people gathered at the Glilot General Staff base Monday night for a ceremony held to honor soldiers the army said had answered the call to reserve duty far beyond the norm.
The 40 reservists honored represented every branch of the Israel Defense Forces, from the elite reconnaissance units to the military police and the top units of military intelligence.
IDF Chief of General Staff Lt.-Gen. Gabi Ashkenazi addressed the crowd, thanking the soldiers for their service, and reserving special thanks for their families.
“I want to thank the wives, the children and the families for the dear price you pay every day. These soldiers wouldn’t be able to accomplish what they have without your support and your undying understanding for the sacrifice they make,” Ashkenazi said.
Among those honored was Sergeant-Major Yermiyahu Mizrachi, a 44-year-old father of two who serves at least a month a year in the Home Front Command’s emergency rescue unit “979.”\
“I do a great deal of reserves service; every time they call. Even attimes when they don’t call, when we hear of some sort of situationtaking place, we’re already preparing.”
Mizrachi said there was almost nobody in his battalion who avoided reserve duty.
“Reserveduty can be problematic, and people can always find a way to get out ofit, but that hardly ever happens in my battalion. It’s always hard toserve, to leave your family, but it’s our country and if we don’t doit, who will?”
The Jerusalem native added that serving in thereserves was also a welcome opportunity to see friends from hisbattalion. “It’s one of the reasons I always go with a full heart.”