Ceremonial competition

January 11, 2010 - 10:00 AM by Jessica

Just experienced one of those ‘only-in-Israel’ kvelling moments. We attended the IDF ceremony celebrating our niece Noa’s completion of her officer’s course. She’s a commander in the ‘Raful’s Boys’ unit, recruits with criminal records or with very troubling backgrounds. (They actually had a documentary made about them a few months back. They’re known as Raful’s Boys for Raful Eitan, the 11th IDF Chief of Staff and former minister and MK who pioneered this special track for teenagers who would otherwise not serve in the army and then have a much harder time functioning in Israeli society.)

But back to Noa and her ‘tekes.’ It was held at a familiar army base basketball court, where my other niece, Dena, also received her officer’s pin a few years back. There are certain similarities at all these ceremonies, from the soldiers marching in, to the army band playing some familiar tunes, accompanied by a soldier singer.

There are the families, of course, and friends of the soldiers, turning out to cheer on their particular soldier. That aspect of the afternoon is particularly reminiscent of a summer camp visiting day. The parents are expected to bring some tasty morsels for their soldier child, and some people go all out, bringing ‘Sinai’ mats (large straw mats that work better for picnics than an easily crumpled blanket, and which used to be purchased during Sinai vacations), chairs, tables and even mini-grills. We, ever the Americans, brought bagels and cream cheese, lox, tuna and egg salads and cookies. Hey, that’s what Noa requested.

But beyond bagels vs. hummous, some families came prepared with props. One crew had printed tee-shirts with the face of ‘their’ soldier and the words “Ken Hamefakedet,” meaning, “Yes, Commander.” Another family had made fleece scarves congratulating their soldier, while two sisters marched in to the bleachers with a huge banner printed up for the occasion.

We brought the boys, and Noa did say that they provided her much entertainment while waiting for her pin. But now I’m determined to up the ante for the next ceremony. Immigrants no longer!

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