Dear Participant,

A few weeks ago, I traveled with my family to South Africa. To my great disappointment, the night before I was set to return to the INDC, Prime Minister Netanyahu announced that all those arriving to Israel from abroad must self-isolate for two weeks. Due to that fact, it is with great sorrow that I have not been able to meet with you since before my trip.

The world’s population is facing new challenges not known to this generation. Our daily routines are askew and changing and we must adapt to this new reality. A pandemic like COVID-19 wreaks havoc on the world only once a century – it spreads like wildfire, claims lives and forces us to set precedents.

The biggest difficulty with the physical distancing, is the spring holiday season. In Jewish tradition, Passover is the family holiday – we are commanded to relay the story of Exodus to the next generation. Usually on Passover eve, the entire family - grandparents, parents, children, and sometimes even complete strangers – all gather around the table to retell the story.  However, this year we must adapt and celebrate the holiday with close relatives only.

Being military men – soldiers, fighters, and commanders – it is our duty to set an example. We must expand our definition of the term “national defense” to include the measures we must take to defend ourselves from the virus. For the first time in collective memory, standing together means sitting at home and isolating ourselves from our fellows.

This is how we will claim victory over this invisible enemy.

Wishing everyone a safe and healthy holiday