People often confuse Veteran’s Day and Memorial Day. The difference between them is crucial. In fact, we might say that it’s the difference between life and death. Veteran’s Day honors all who have served in the US military. Anyone who ever wore the uniform is recognized with our deepest gratitude.
On Memorial Day, 6 months later, we recall those who paid the ultimate price, those who gave their lives to preserve our democratic way of life. Veteran’s Day honors those who are alive to experience our appreciation. On Memorial Day we recall those who gave their lives to ensure our freedom.
Veteran’s Day was first established as Armistice Day on Nov. 11, 1919 with these words from President Wilson- “To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations…”
It was initially called Armistice Day as it honored the cessation of hostilities in WWI, the so-called “war to end all wars.” The name was changed in 1954 to reflect the sad reality that war continued to be part of the human experience, that the war to end all wars was only a dream. If only that prophecy had been fulfilled, that WWI had truly been the war to end all wars.
Turning to our weekly parsha, Lech L’cha. We have barely begun to read the book of Genesis, and this week we already encounter the first war in the Torah. In Chapter 14, Avram has only just arrived in the land God promised to his descendants, when the four powerful local rulers go to war and Avram is caught in the middle.
His nephew Lot is taken captive, so Avram musters his community to rescue the family. This sounds so wretchedly and sadly familiar, coming together to do battle to rescue hostages.
Avram is victorious, Lot and his family are saved, and Avram, for his part, declines to take “so much as a thread or a sandal strap” as bounty. (Gn. 14:23) However, Avram allows those who fought with him to claim their share, and thus begins the tradition of honoring those who do battle on our behalf.
It may be the first war but it is hardly the last. Throughout Jewish history and, of course, to the present moment, Avram’s descendants, we, the Jewish people, have continued to fight for the right to live as Jews. Today, Israel continues to do battle on multiple fronts, and continues to fight to rescue those who are held hostage as Lot was long ago.
We can be proud of the way that the Israeli army strives to uphold the highest standards in the most challenging circumstances.
The Israel Defense Forces adheres to a concept known as “tohar ha-neshek,” “purity of arms.” Principles of tohar ha-neshek include:
1. Preventing misuse of weapons
2. Using minimum force against combatants
3. Preventing casualties to civilians
4. Appropriate care of prisoners
5. Resisting dehumanization and demonization of enemy citizenry
6. Dealing with Criminal Orders
7. Equalizing the burden of military service on the whole of the population
In the current situation in Israel, it is enormously difficult to abide by these principles, and yet the IDF strives to do so. Israel faces enemies who do not abide by the conventions of warfare accepted by civilized people. Combatants don’t wear uniforms, and they hide among the civilian populace. The people of Israel and the veterans of Israel’s wars surely want peace more than anyone.
As realists, we recognize that war is an unfortunate part of human history, and has been as far back as we have records. The best we can do is to be agents for peace whenever and wherever possible, and to mitigate the worst elements of warfare. And to be deeply grateful to those who put on the uniform to defend freedom and justice for all.
At this time we want to honor those who have served our country to please rise and remain in your places so that we can recognize you and render our heartfelt appreciation for your service.
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