Fellowship Employee’s Son Is Thankful for the People of Israel

Ofer is a Fellowship employee in our Jerusalem office. He is also the proud father of two sons who currently serve in in the Israeli army, something that also, Ofer explains, "keeps us from sleeping and causes us much worry and concern." One of his sons, Yonatan, is stationed in Jerusalem, tasked with securing the streets and key locations in the Holy City. In this letter, Yonatan shares the gratitude he has for the people of Israel, who he is protecting, but who also care for him:

For some time, people have been coming up to us and saying thank you – "Thank you for protecting us, thank you for being vigilant, thank you for being soldiers."
After two weeks of providing security in Jerusalem, we want to tell you, the people of Israel, "thank you."
Thank you to the person who brought me coffee on the morning when it was raining.
Thank you to the woman who brought me a plate and utensils with lunch, even though she didn't know me and she knew I wouldn't take her up on her offer.
Thank you to the nice boy for bringing me fun and a smile, because that's what an eight year old boy can offer.
Thank you very much, Madam, for the love you showered on me even though I'm not your biological grandchild.
Thank you for the accommodation in the hotel or the hostel, and for the comfort you provided us despite our distance from home.
Thank you to the man who paid the bill in the restaurant.
Thank you to the man who took my hand and insisted on buying me ice cream even though I refused.
Thank you to the cute girls who packed boxes of sweets and distributed them at the station.
Thank you to those who get up on the train even though they know that I won't sit in their seat.
Thank you to the man who handed out 25 trays of pizza to random soldiers on the street.
Thank you to the man who gives out falafel.
Thank you to the people of Israel.
The people of Israel live and are united.
Don't let anyone lie to you about it being otherwise.
— Yonatan

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