Over the past year I have been asked “where?” a million times. “Where are you going to serve?” is obviously a very important question, considering I was enlisting into the IDF, and one that I was waiting months to find out.
Three weeks after my tryout for Tzanhanim, this past week I finally received word that I passed the gibbush (tryout) and will be a paratrooper in the IDF.
I was filled with excitement, and while I might not have shown it right away, I was waiting for the news to sink in. It’s a little crazy to think that in just a few short weeks I will start my training in tzanhanim and be able to call myself a paratrooper! This is a unit that lives in the national ethos of this country, and there has always been a romantic connection to the paratroopers throughout Israel’s history. Now being able to call myself a paratrooper and play my role in the history of this country has been nothing but special.
After hearing the results, I was able to replace my uniform at the bakum (the same place I received my original uniform on my enlistment day).
Below I have a few pictures I took in my new uniform and with different people. The tzanhanim uniform is unique and special in that we wear red boots, an untucked shirt with a belt on top, and a different collar than the normal one. This unique look allows people in Israeli society to know that I am a paratrooper even if I am not wearing my unit tag or the infamous red beret. In fact, I got called out today by someone who asked how was tzanhanim, in which I had to respond by saying “oh not yet, in a few weeks.”
At the end of the day, I am very excited to begin training very soon. My Hebrew course is soon coming to an end, and with every chapter closed a new one will open. This time the chapter begins on April 7th at Bach tzanhanim (training base). I will not be late.
* My new uniform right when I received it
* My friend from my Michve Alon tzevet, him and I the only two going to tzanhanim
* Myself and the other three from my garin all drafting to tzanhanim
I knew you would make it! I wish I could say I could tell the difference between your two uniforms.
Mazel Tov. You must be so excited and proud of your accomplishments!
Stay Safe!!!
Love the red boots. So proud of your accomplishments.
Mazel Tov Ira! We are impressed with everything you have accomplished and proud of you and your red boots! Love you ❤️
My mind is BLOWN!! I just love how you described the ‘romantic’ feelings about being a paratrooper - it’s so true!! You are amazing and I just love following this adventure of yours! Have fun with your ‘guest’!! 💕