 In this Issue
Central IDF Command visits Gush Etzion
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Farewell to Commander Raz Karni
The IDF Central Command Division under the leadership of Raz Karni held its official farewell to Commander Karni in Gush Etzion.
To many of our readers this may not seem like a big deal. The ceremony of showing gratitude by honoring and officer completing his position is a common process in the IDF.
Usually these events take place at the home base of the
specific unit, but this time Karni had asked to have the ceremony in Gush Etzion.
During his army service Raz found a very warm and nurturing environment in the Gush. He connected and identified with the history and found the dedication of the residents and their modern day Zionism a role model for future generations in Israel, something that is lacking today. He felt that this message should be transferred to others and then decided that Gush Etzion would be the most appropriate place to have this ceremony. The rich biblical history, together with the legacy of heroism of the brave defenders from 1948, the closeness to Jerusalem, and the development today of the region created the appropriate atmosphere.
On Sunday, August 26, 2007 the IDF together with the OU, (Orthodox Union) and the Regional Council of Gush Etzion commemorated this event at Kibbutz Kfar Etzion. Seven hundred soldiers from the Central Command bid farewell to Officer Raz Karni. They spent the day touring the area, studying the history, visiting the dramatic presentation of the battle in Kfar Etzion, heard the moving story from one of the children from the original Kibbutz in 1948 and ended the day with a moving ceremony.
On the lawn of Kibbutz Kfar Etzion
Study Groups
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