Reflective Essay On Mandatory Service

1027 Words3 Pages

Israel’s mandatory service law requires every citizen in Israel in the age of eighteen until they are twenty one years old, legally obligated to join the army for a period of three years. After high school, the time came for me to do my duty to Israel which was compulsory service. It was a big responsibility that this is the true test that makes absolute separation between a comfortable life as a student and as preparation for real life as a full-fledged citizen. I cannot describe in words the feeling of pride when I wore the uniform. And to be honest, at first, I did not know what my future held. But one thing I have always known: I was on a mission, a mission that could cost me my life; but knowing I was protecting citizens, especially my …show more content…

Friends that I knew their parents and I knew how hard it would be for them to know about the lost of their son. Other part of my colleagues (friends) lost body parts as well. The thing that was harder more that the training, was to go to visit those who stayed alive in the hospital. Some of them were in a vegetative state; others got treatment for their wounded parts. Impossible to explain the feeling or the look of those parents standing next to their child’s bad not knowing if they should be happy or sad. With all the pain and the suffer, I have learned to appreciate life, I learned that nothing is taken for granted and every day I wake up it is a day that I received as a gift, if I could be among those wounded or dead soldiers but I did not, instead, I was from those who visit wounded soldiers and not visited by others. It is a sign, this is my destiny, and I must fulfill it in the best way possible. I never forgot what I have been through, it made me strong to stand against any difficulty the life will put on my way. After my military service I was looking for a job, I worked and I saved enough money for a trip that every discharged soldier get to do once in a lifetime. I decided to get to America and see what the world has to offer, I never went out of Israel, and after the military service it was the first time I flew to another country. America met all my expectations and I did love every minute of travel and see new

Open Document