
by Brian Kay
Hello, I am a former Bethel Supervising Public Defender, Office of Public Advocacy Supervising attorney for Bethel, and private practice of law in Bethel. I recently completed active service in the Israel Defense Force Sar-El, overseas volunteers. I was stationed near Gaza and another base near Tel Aviv. I packed medical supplies, food and clothing in logistics and supply for the Israel Defense Force soldiers. Below is my letter to my religious temple.
The privilege and honor to serve the people of Israel and the Israeli armed forces in Israel Defense Force SAR-EL, overseas volunteers from sixty-one countries around the world, Jews and non-Jewish people was an amazingly rewarding, emotional, eye opening, life changing endeavor.
It was hot, over 100 degrees during the day, hard work and long hours. The responsibility of representing the people of Tennessee, Congregation Micah, my family living and passed away, some died in the Holocaust, was manifestly profound.
War is a terrible thing. It was informative to speak to and live with, work and eat with Israeli warriors, black, white and brown, men and women who daily strive with all their might, power and skill and wisdom to eradicate the terrorists who attacked Israel on October 7th 2023 and continue to attack the people and land of Israel.
The soldiers are determined to continue to fight for the release of all the remaining hostages who were kidnapped, tortured, murdered and raped, many more who have died than reported in the news and return the living and all the dead to their loved ones. Further, no remnant of Hamas shall remain in power in Gaza.
The terrorists are willing to be martyrs to establish a Palestine state.
The war is convoluted, strategical in brilliance and crushing misfortune. Israel is the best equipped most powerful armed force in the Middle East. Israel shall prevail! Soldiers and citizens fight for the land of milk and honey so their children will be free and at peace.
I want to thank all those who encouraged me to travel to Israel including Cantor Josh, Rabbis Laurie and Flip and my beautiful wife Angie.
-Brian Kay