Jerusalem – For Older IDF Soldiers, Patriotism Trumps Age In Operation Protective Edge

Jerusalem – For a growing number of IDF soldiers who have either exceeded the age requirement or found themselves in positions worthy of exemptions, patriotism towards the state is trumping any age restrictions, and by the numbers they are choosing to continue serving in Operation Protective Edge.

TIMESOFISRAEL.com (http://bit.ly/1nud0M9) reports that among the first IDF soldiers killed in the conflict was 45 year-old Maj. Amotz Greenberg, a married father of three who balked at the age-40 cut-off for mandatory service and volunteered to continue serving.

43 year-old tank driver, M, is another IDF soldier who has chosen to remain on active duty, explaining that, “As long as I’m able to do my part in the army, then it’s a privilege to do so. I’m still pretty good at it, despite my advanced age. I walk around and I see the young kids over here and they look at me like I just stepped out of a history book, but apparently I still have a positive contribution to make, and if I can then I’m happy to oblige.”

Other older IDF soldiers, like 38 year-old, E, whose job in Israeli security provides him an exemption from service, using the exemption has never crossed his mind as his allegiance to both the state and his unit remain always at the forefront.

“The members of my unit have all been my friends since the age of 18,” said E. “I cannot see them going to war without me. This is the most important thing I can do. There are not a lot of people in Israel these days willing to go to reserve duty so even though I serve in my everyday work, I don’t think it’s enough. I wanted to do more.”