Israel’s Oldest Reserve Soldier Praises Today’s Youth

Ezra Yakhin, author of the book Elnakam, talks about what it’s like to tell young Israel Defense Force soldiers about his life experiences from the days of the Jewish underground to the War of Independence in 1948. What is the reaction of youth who grew up with smart phones to a 96-year-old who grew up when most didn’t even have phones at home and the British still ruled the Land of Israel? Ezra says today’s youth are modern Maccabees, the brightest and most dedicated he has seen with motivated, inspired volunteers being the norm. He says spirit and love of the land is just as important as weapons and training.

NOTES:

• Elnakam by Ezra Yakhin - Amazon.com

• Elnakam by Ezra Yakhin in Hebrew

• Israel’s oldest serving reservist hopes for better future - Israel21C

• Biography of Shulamit Kishik-Cohen, who helped Lebanese Jews by Ezra Yakhin

• Lechi history website

• Major Farran's Hat: The Untold Story of the Struggle to Establish the Jewish State

• The Scandalous Murder of Alexander Rubowitz