“Beneath the Helmet- From High School to the Home front” follows five Israeli paratroopers as they mature from young graduates to experienced soldiers.  

The film, to be shown on US college campuses, aims to improve the public image of Israel after it was ravaged in the news following Operation Protective Edge.  Producer Raphael Shore, founder and CEO of Jerusalem U, an organization built to strengthen ties between young Jews and Israel, debuted the film in New York and Los Angeles this week.  Among those who attended were high powered donors and Hollywood producers.  The event was in memoriam of Max Steinberg, a lone IDF soldier killed in Operation Protective Edge.

 Stories of Service and Sacrifice

Reserves Deputy Aviv Regev, currently promoting the film in the US, explains, “I discovered the ignorance and lies that are spread about us. I learned that there is another war taking place that I wasn’t aware of – the war on Hasbara (public relations) – and I decided to join the fight.”   The five soldiers featured in the film come from vastly different backgrounds, a common occurrence as Israel has become a melting pot of international Jews.  A female commander named Coral from Hertzliya.  Eilon, who grew up in a religious home in Ashdod.  Eden, from northern Israel near Lebanon.  Oren, a Swiss immigrant and lone soldier.  And Mekonan, an Ethiopian native who tragically lost his father while his family journeyed to Israel.  Their backgrounds are different, but their story the same.

Eilon Kohan says, “Me and my friends, at the age of 18, are going to the Army.  Just like stopping your life.  And this is very difficult.  In one direction you want to go home…and the other direction you say ‘So what am I here for?’” Mekonan’s mother doesn’t want him to fight in a combat unit.  “She worries a lot about it,” he said.

Combat soldiers typically spend a minimum of eight months training.  Paratroopers complete an arduous test, some exercises spanning over several days without a break.  “The Israeli nation is in a constant state of battle, and operations as we’ve only heard of in stories may become an inevitable reality,” said Paratroopers Brigade Commander, Col. Amir Baram.  Members of the Paratroopers brigade are prepared to risk their lives much like other infantryman.  They train in urban warfare and hand-to-hand combat in the likely event of attack.

Help Israel by Supporting the IDF

Eden Adler, First Lieutenant believes he is in a position to affect positive change.  “At the end of the day, I want my group…to create change.  I want to educate, to transmit values.”  It seems that Adler and producer Raphael Shore have similar goals: to positively impact the worlds view of the IDF and Israel.

You can also make an impact on the young men and women who serve in the IDF by learning more about what makes this army unique among the militaries of the world. Download the free eBook Israel Defense Forces 24/7 for an inside look at the IDF.

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