Israelis "Awestruck" by American GI's Coming to Israel to Donate Blood

Jonathan Feldstein : Sep 12, 2014
Breaking Israel News

"Being a soldier, I can help another soldier fighting for this country [Israel]. From one soldier to another I want to give back. We're fighting the same enemy and I want to be able to help." -Anthony W.

(Israel)—It's always a distinct pleasure and extraordinary opportunity to arrange for bringing Americans to donate blood in Israel. It never gets old, and is never an experience to take for granted. Israel is the only country in the world to which people travel—whether on a vacation, tour, or religious pilgrimage—and make it a point to donate blood. (Photo: Heart to Heart)

As special as all these experiences are, some are especially outstanding. This week was one of those.

In partnership with Heroes to Heroes, Heart to Heart was able to bring US military veterans to donate blood. Their 10 day whirlwind tour is designed to connect them with Israel, with Israeli military veterans as well, as an opportunity for emotional and spiritual healing. After seeing the land, connecting with the people, and connecting with current and retired Israeli soldiers, visiting some who were wounded in recent fighting, the need to give back became clear. Giving their blood to help save Israeli lives was the answer. As Juan V. noted, "It's a way of giving life. It's a pleasure for me to contribute to save lives of Israeli citizens."

Anthony W. related especially to visiting the Golan where some of the biggest and most bloody battles that Israel has fought have taken place, and current threats are imminent. All the dots connected very clearly for him. "Being a soldier, I can help another soldier (fighting) for this country. From one soldier to another I want to give back. We're fighting the same enemy and I want to be able to help."

Isaac C. observed, that on his trip he "saw there's really a necessity to donate. It's a wonderful thing to give to help people who really need it." Donating the week of the anniversary of September 11 gave him a special reflection, that it gave him "a feeling of hope, unity and caring. Israel and the US have a special bond of friendship."

While it's not unusual to see Americans donating blood in Israel, it's also not something that's an everyday occurrence or that every Israeli knows about. Earlier this year, a pastor's leadership group donated blood in an atmosphere that was described as euphoric. Tears were shed by frequent donors donating blood in Jerusalem, others donating blood for the first time, by some who were ineligible to donate, and even by the Israeli tour guide who was awestruck at what was going on—American Christians coming to share their blood with Israel.