“If the Arab Nations laid down their arms in the Middle East, there would be peace. If Israel laid down their arms, there would be no Israel.”

Generally, I keep things light around here. There’s plenty of places you can go on the internet for serious stuff, but that’s not really what this blog is about. However, there are always exceptions. When I feel strongly about something, I want to share it with all of you -- after all, we share the good/fun stuff, so we should be able to share the bad/serious stuff too.

A friend of mine forwarded this email out this morning. It was written by her cousin, who serves in the Israeli IDF, and as soon as I read it, I knew I had to share it on here. Per her request, I’m not revealing her name or his name. I’ve also kept it as is, and haven’t changed anything.

Dear family,

Forgive me for involving you in our problem, once again but i feel i have to share with you....as you know me , i love my country, and today more than ever i feel that we are

loosing our legitimisy to live here safely and peacefully with our neighbors

my squadron was involved in the operation to stop the "peace" ships to gaza, i know the people who flew in that night, i know the soldiers that was dropped on the ship, believe me when i tell you that they came in peace, it is hard to believe that ,

but coming abroad in that way, was the only way to stop that provocative act the soldiers had no intension to shoot , but after a terror activist stole a pistol from one of the soldiers and the other soldiers were under attack and a danger to their lives accour, they reacted as expected from anyone who feel in danger to his life.

the resolute was not what we wanted, it is very sad for all off us, the army made terrible mistakes that night and we will have to deal with them.

but!! what is happening since than all around this world just is making me loosing faith in justice, common sense, and decency.

i'm angry, disappointed , and sad that no one is on our side in this sad story, no one wanted even to hear what we have to say.

hearing the turks saying - "it's their 9/11" just showing you that it doesn't metter how many had died, they just wanted to make provocation, and we fell into their arms...

we might be before difficult time here , but we are strong, united and have storg believe in our way. see the movies on you tube, please spared them to your friends. i feel we need your support more then ever.

It’s no secret how passionate I am about Israel. Though Judaism has always been a part of my life, it wasn’t until the last few years that I began to realize exactly how important being Jewish is to me. I credit this discovery in no small part to my travels to Israel. Israel changed my life. Israel made me proud to be who I am, a strong, committed, passionate young Jew.

I only wish that everyone around the world could see Israel as I do -- the most gorgeous country, filled with the most fascinating history and the most genuine, caring, wonderful people. Every time I come to Israel, I am reminded of how lucky I am, not only because I am a Jew, but also because I am free to do or say or think whatever and however I want, privileges I have as an American, but that I am free to exercise in Israel.

I wholeheartedly believe in what is written in the letter above -- that the soldiers acted to save their own lives -- and hope that if this touched you or made you pause or maybe even made you reconsider the events of the incident, that you will pass this message along to others you know who are rushing to condemn Israel for their actions, before the full extent of the story is even known.

Whoever you are, wherever you are, and whatever you believe - Israel needs your love and support. Please do your part to make people see the truth.