We often take for granted that we are able to travel around Israeli feeling safe and protected. Yet, without the hard work and dedication of the soldiers in the Israeli army, we would be leading very different lives. What better way to recognize our soldiers for their commitment than by doing something for them to show our hakaras hatov and say "thanks!"?

For the last 3 nights, GIVE has been sending groups of 30 girls to nearby army bases through the organization called Standing Together. We supplied Standing Together with sodas and cakes and the program director put them in his refrigerated truck, driving ahead of us to lead us onto the base. When we arrived, he transformed his truck into a small kiosk which served popsicles, our cakes and cold drinks to the soldiers. Meanwhile, our girls gave out the snacks and mingled with the soldiers who came out to partake in this well deserved snack and break. As the Standing Together truck blasted fun Israeli music, our girls basked in the opportunity to take pictures with "real live soldiers"! They were really in their element.

I overheard one GIVEr say to a soldier, "I just want to thank you for dedicating your life to the Jewish people and Jewish land. I know you're only a few years older than me, but you're so brave and I admire you so much. Hashem should continue to watch over you as you watch over us!" The soldier was nearly moved to tears, responding, "Wow. No one has ever taken the time to thank me... so thank YOU." What a huge kiddush Hashem and great opportunity to thank those who are often taken for granted.