Magav beret as seen in official website

These are words from our National Anthem sung by the strong young voices of cadets surrounded by a massed audience of families and friends who proudly watched their ‘passing out’ ceremony in the open-air amphitheater belonging to the Border Police. And there amongst the two long rows of girl cadets who were at the front of the contingent stood my 18 year old grand-daughter – back and shoulders straight, long hair neatly plaited beneath her peaked cap whilst my cup of emotions was filled to the brim.

Prior to enlistment for their army service young men and women can also make a choice to serve in the Border Police. They receive combat training and in addition are trained for counterterrorism, riot control and policing during difficult times of confrontation. They then serve in unquiet areas where there are greater risks for riots, violence and terror. When May decided to enlist for this particular service I went online to read more about it and I quote:

"MAGAV (their Hebrew name) has not got a good reputation but in reality they are a great group. They are very united and want to give so much of themselves in service that at times they can lose self-control . . .  many new immigrants because of their motivation and love for the State are drawn to enlist and serve in MAGAV and thus become an accepted part of our society and MAGAV is happy to enlist them."

The memory of these words filled my mind as I watched the proceedings and observed that I was surrounded by a real cross-section of "עם ישראל" – the people of Israel - under the clear blue skies of a mild winter midday. A resounding cheer rose out of the crowd when the girls made their swearing-in statement in clear voices tinged with resolution and pride. The ceremony was brought to a close with the singing of HaTikvah. The flutter of tissues and handkerchiefs abounded as eyes were wiped and noses blown. However, other words of song followed as they marched out of the enclosure –

"This is my regiment

This is my home

Fighters – men and women

Dressed in green uniform"

 The rows of cadets filed out with heads held high and faces lit with smiles as they searched for the faces of their family and friends amongst the milling crowds of onlookers shouting approval at them. No happening in Israel is complete without food, and in the grounds, round the wooden picnic tables, under the shade of the surrounding trees in every corner of the grassy areas families laid out the picnics they had brought with them. Voices filled with joy and excitement could be heard in a cocktail of languages as each young man and woman greeted family – Hebrew (of course), Russian, French, English, Arabic and Amharic. The food laid out was also as varied as the people but the pride felt for their offspring was one.  

Clothing too was so colorful and diverse and here, in one minute corner of our troubled land, was an unforgettable atmosphere as people mingled, exchanged smiles and tastes of food. The Druse and Bedouin women came in their best and although they kept to the accepted costume of their beliefs their young daughters were clad in the latest fashion. They were beautifully turned out as were some of the Russian women who arrived in high heeled, jewel studded boots and the tightest of pants and glitzy shirts. Ethiopian grandparents were clad in their traditional garb whilst again the younger generations were smartly dressed. Sabras were as always, comfortably clad in denims, T shirts and some sexy tops, apart from the religious family who barbecued nearby and whose womenfolk were modestly dressed.                               

"This is it – little Israel" as we shared a happy occasion promoted by pride in our younger generation which formed a bond. If only we could strive more for that goal so that life in bigger Israel would change with more understanding. The security of peace and sharing of positive happenings within our populace would perhaps bring about renewed hope for our future.