Continuity - The Story of the Israeli Family
By Yossy Mendelovich
Continuity - The Story of the Israeli Family from Yossy Mendelovich on Vimeo.
Amnon, a son of Holocaust survivors, was killed in the battle field, in an attempt to rescue his commander, during the Yom Kipur war. Amnon was a captain in charge of the intelligence of the brigade that fought in the Sinai Peninsula.
Amnon was Roey’s uncle.
Nimrod, Roey’s father, also the son of Holocaust survivors, started his military service at Sayeret Matkal and fought the wars in Israel. He was discharged from the army with the rank of lieutenant colonel.
Amnon was Nimrod’s instructor in the army. Both of them fought together in Yom Kipur war.
All sons of Nimrod served in the most elite units in the IDF (Israel Defense Forces) as officers and commanders, and continued their dedication and contribution to the Israeli nation way after the military service.
“Our parents brought us up on love of the country, values and contribution. We are not an extraordinary family, a typical Israeli family, and there are many families such as ours” says Roey, which is the youngest brother.
Roey and his big brother chose to pass on the spirit of the state of Israel and importance of military service in the IDF to its youngsters, by founding a special program called “The Pathway”.
“Nowadays, you hear people talk… they say that our youth is not what it used to be. The Israeli youngsters I meet are the salt of the earth; excellent youth that start to prepare for their military service during 10th grade, three years before their draft, in order to reach the best they can and to make a real change in the Israeli society. The workouts and the tremendous amount of effort that is invested in each and every trainee is hard work, but when they succeed, it is worth every bit of it” says Roey.
One of the highlights during the year is when Roey visits his trainees during their induction ceremony at the western wall (as you can see in the video). The induction ceremony symbolizes the commitment the soldier takes upon himself, while he accepts a weapon and a bible and swears to protect the jewish people and the state of Israel. “You can feel the spirit, power and unity of brothers in arm while they pledge to protect their country” says Roey.
This is an example of an Israeli family that has born from the catastrophe of the Holocaust. By understanding the importance of having a Jewish state, this family like many other Israeli families, work very hard in order to preserve and protect the state of Israel.
“Sadness and bereavement are a part of our family as well as other Israeli families, but they are also life and hope” summarizes Roey.
- What is the impact of the Holocaust on the creation of the state of Israel.
- What is so special about the IDF induction ceremony?
- How does the Israeli family preserve the memorial of a fallen?
- What does it mean the phrase “salt of the earth” from an Israeli youngsters point of view.
- Why is it important to pass the spirit of Israel to the young generation?
Yossy Mendelovich is a filmmaker and lecturer. Yossy's films are focused on the global importance of the State of Israel as the jewish homeland. To view more of Yossy’s work, check him out on Facebook and on Vimeo.
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