LA JOLLA, California (Press Release) — Two Israeli reserve soldiers, now students, will be visiting San Diego under the auspices of StandWithUs, the Israel advocacy organization. Ilana and Yishai (only their first names are given as a routine security precaution) will speak at a free Israeli dinner to be served from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., Thursday, April 10, at Congregation Beth El, 8660 Gilman Drive.
Nicole Bernstein, executive director, of StandWithUs in San Diego, said the “Israeli Soldiers’ Stories” program enables “reserve duty Israeli college students” to discuss “their backgrounds, interests and life and Israel. Ilana and Yishai will share personal experiences dealing with the moral issues involved in fighting terrorist groups in Gaza and the West Bank, and facing an enemy that hides behind its civilians. They put a human face to the IDF uniform.”
Bernstein said that Ilana’s parents immigrated to Israel from England. Ilana is “currently at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, studying International Relations and Media,” she said. “Ilana enlisted into the IDF as an Army Benefits NCO Sergeant, where she took care of the welfare of soldiers in a combat regiment, looking after the financial, social and medical needs of soldiers and their families. Today, she volunteers in the Lone Soldiers Center, aiding soldiers in the IDF whose families are abroad.”
Bernstein said that “Yishai was born and lives in Jerusalem. He served in an anti-terror Special Forces unit in the IDF as a combat soldier. He participated in Operation Cast Lead in addition to many other special operations. After three years as a commander, Yishai became the Lead Officer for the fast roping and special altitude combat squad in the Counter-Terrorism Academy of the IDF. He is now studying law at Hebrew University of Jerusalem. After army discharge, Yishai helped found an organization that aids under-privileged Ethiopian youth in preparation for their army service.”
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More information may be obtained from Bernstein via email, nicoleb@standwithus.com
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