Just as I have for the past 17 years, I headed for my army reserve duty in the middle of March 2002. My unit was sent for operational duty in the southern sector of Ramallah during a difficult period for the State of Israel. It was clear to all of us in the unit that something serious was going to happen. In fact, the day after Passover, the army declared an emergency call up and preparations were made for Operation Defensive Shield. My division was called to the fighting in Jenin.

The battle in the Jenin refugee camp- ten unforgettable days that changed my life forever- became the primary battle of Operation Defensive Shield. The Palestinians decided to turn the camp into their symbol, while on the other hand, the IDF decided to clean out the terror infrastructure of this "hornet's nest". The battle plan was to move from house to house, cleaning the city of its terrorists, explosive factories and massive amounts of hidden ammunition, etc.

During the fighting in Jenin we paid an unbearable price, 23 of our soldiers were killed. The reason for this high casualty rate was the army's conscious decision that we would not compromise our values as soldiers and men, even if this meant paying the ultimate price. Urban warfare is dangerous and complicated. We knew that there were easier and safer military alternatives but it never came to our minds or those of our commanders that we would fight this battle in any other way.

Once the operation ended and we withdrew from Jenin, we began to hear the first press reports about what happened during the fighting. I was on my way back to our base when I heard an Israel Radio report about what allegedly happened in the camp during those ten days. There were rampant rumors about a massacre, use of Palestinian children as human shields and more. I felt that I had been slapped in the face. I felt insulted for my 23 dead friends, the dozens of injured and for all of us who were there and paid such a high price in order to maintain our values and morality.

This time I decided to do something.

I called Israel Radio and introduced myself, requesting that as a fighter who had just now left Jenin, I have the chance to respond. I went on the air during the noon news broadcast and spoke non-stop for 20 minutes. No one even tried to stop me. The anger and frustration just spilled out. Ten minutes later and I was invited to an evening television talk show that very same day. After consulting with my friends and commanders, I went, spoke and explained, never letting anyone shake my internal faith.

At the same time, the foreign press used the battle in Jenin and the subsequent rumors of a massacre as fuel for further criticism against Israel.

Joey Lou, a wonderful Jew from New York tired of Israel's inability to explain its actions and lack of public relations, brought three young students from Israel to travel around to various college campuses to speak about "the real Israel"; about the complexities of Israeli life; how in spite of these complexities we all have so much in common. They spoke of Israel's honest desire for peace, to live a quiet life without fear.

Following the conclusion of Operation Defensive Shield, Joey requested three more speakers, this time "graduates" of the fighting in Jenin, to tell the true story and counter the lies and accusations. I was asked to go. Although it was only three weeks since my month long stint of reserve duty and it would mean that I would be away from work and my family for a long time, I agreed immediately.

We focused our efforts on the East Coast, speaking on campuses, at high schools, churches, before Officer Training Courses and the US Congress as well as to civil rights activists and on an innumerable number of TV and radio stations.

It is difficult to describe the impression a tour like this makes. We found a thirst for the truth. Joey decided to take the initiative and with his own funding, copy this successful format to other cities and regions throughout the US.

Together with Natalie Narsis, a young woman who spoke with the first group, we became the Israeli side of this amazing project. We named to the group "Israel at Heart" and began to recruit a 50-member student delegation that would appear at campuses throughout North America. Since then we've funded over 150 students, sent two large delegations to North America and some 40 students to 12 countries throughout Europe. Last week, 50 students from our organization participated in demonstrations at The Hague to protest against the trial concerning the Terror Prevention Fence.

What began as a two-man operation soon became an organization motivated by dozens of enthusiastic student activists, imbued with faith and the desire to help the State of Israel.

The organization's activities take up a lot of time. Preparing a 50-member student delegation requires a system of filtering, selection, activist training and logistics, etc. I spend at least two-three days a week, after work, on this project, sometimes until the small hours of the night.

The battle in Jenin and the way things turned out significantly changed my life's routine. I was always a social activist for my community and the environment. However, I have since learned an important lesson that I try to impart to others and that is when something truly important happens in your life, act, do something about it.

I feel that it is a great honor to be able to serve as an "Israel at Heart" volunteer. I no doubt receive more than I give. I have the opportunity to meet the many of Israel's best youth and believe me they are good. I feel that we are an influence in the world. What more can one ask for?

Nisan 5764 - March 2004