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$ 3.00 Off Purchase of $25.00 or more Only good at Royal Oak 110 S. Main St Royal Oak and 33292 W. 12 Mile Rd Farmington Hills locations. Expires 5/31/16. With coupon. 10% Off Any Purchase Only good at Royal Oak 110 S. Main St Royal Oak and 33292 W. 12 Mile Rd Farmington Hills locations. Expires 5/31/16. With coupon. FARMINGTON HILLS 33292 W. 12 Mile Rd 248.489.9777 R O YA L O A K 1 1 0 S . M a i n 24 8 . 3 3 6 . 8 0 9 3 w w w . l e o s c o n e y i s l a n d . c o m T he week after Batman v Superman came out in theaters, two real superheroes came to our commu- nity to share their own personal stories. Eli Bogdan and Dekel Akala were invited by StandWithUs to share some of the IDF's most cherished values, especially that of the importance of life. The Spirit of the IDF, the code of eth- ics that lays the foundation for all actions of the soldiers, states, "The IDF and its soldiers are obligated to protect human dignity. Every human being is of value regardless of his or her origin, religion, nationality, gender, status or position." Eli and Dekel explained that the sol- diers not only risk their lives to protect Israel and its citizens, but they also protect people all over the world. They expressed compassion for every human being despite the many threats that Israel faces from its neighbors. These ideals are not only expressed by IDF soldiers, but also by Israel as a whole. Eli explained that from a young age, children are taught love, com- passion, empathy, kindness and peace. Eli was born in the Ukraine and moved to Israel in the 1990s. He served in the Palhan Nahal special forces unit in the IDF. After his service, he worked with Jewish youth in New York and in Israel. He is in the reserves and works for Fiverr, an internet startup company. In addition, he is studying industrial engineering and management at the Technion in Haifa. During their talks at Temple Beth El of Flint, Hillel of Metro Detroit, the Jewish Community Center, Hadassah House and a private home, Eli relayed a story involv- ing the capture of a terrorist leader that shows the danger IDF soldiers put them- selves in to save enemy lives. After shooting the terrorist in enemy territory, Eli's unit came under fire from rocks and other projectiles. His unit was faced with a choice: either leave the terror- ist to die and save themselves or help save the terrorist at the risk of their own lives. To Eli and his unit, there was no choice and only one option. They carried the terrorist back to safety while being pelted with flying objects that could have killed them. Dekel was born in Israel and served as a captain in the counter-terrorism force and continues to serve in the reserves for the Israeli Air Force. After his service, he was part of a delegation to Ethiopia, where he taught Hebrew to Jewish children plan- ning to move to Israel. Currently, Dekel is a business administration student at IDC Herzliya. One night while on patrol, his team was alerted to two men approaching the fence at the Gaza border, which is not allowed. Although the soldiers expected to be attacked or find explosives, they found two Arabic men who were being targeted by Hamas. Dekel's unit escorted them to safety in non-disputed territory and relo- cated them to a safer home. These men sought out Israeli soldiers because they knew the IDF would bring them to safety. It was at this moment that Dekel realized the IDF not only protects Israelis, but they also protect all who are in danger, even at the risk of their own lives. Israeli parents tell their children that when they grow up there will not be a need for the IDF because they truly believe there will be peace in the Jewish state. Eli and Dekel both expressed that when they tell that to their kids, they hope they will be telling the truth. StandWithUs and the MZ Teen Internship brought these two soldiers not only to tell their stories, but also to humanize the IDF. In addition to the threats they face at home, these soldiers face unjust discrimination in mass media and worldwide coverage. It was my plea- sure to meet these two amazing men and thank them for their service to Israel and for sharing their stories. * Rachel Krasner of West Bloomfield is a StandWithUs High School MZ Teen Intern and a junior at Cranbrook. IDF soldiers Eli Bogdan and Dekel Akala with Rachel Krasner 40 April 28 • 2016 Rachel Krasner | Special to the Jewish News Code Of Ethics IDF soldiers share their values with students in Detroit. 2093770 THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE We Specialize In: 7KH&XVWRPL]HG0DVVDJH +RW6WRQH7UHDWPHQW 'HHS+HDW7UHDWPHQW $URPDWKHUDS\ $30 MOTHER'S DAY SPECIAL VW7LPH&OLHQWV2QO\ +285&86720,=('0$66$*( 08670(17,21$' 1RUWKZHVWHUQ+Z\6WH6RXWKÀHOG0, 3KRQH)D[ ZZZDZRUOGRIUHOD[DWLRQFRP Watchbands Plus Watchbands Plus $2 OFF All Batteries - No Limit $3 OFF All Watchbands – in Stock 30% OFF All Citizen Eco-Drive ® Watches in Stock 30% OFF All Bulova Wall and Table Clocks 30% OFF All Sterling Silver Jewelry GRAND O P EN ING GREATER FARMINGTON AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE RIBBON CUTTING CEREMONY AT NOON ON FRIDAY, MAY 13 FOLLOWED BY REFRESHMENTS GRAND OPENING SPECIALS FRIDAY & SATURDAY, MAY 13-14 Great Gifts for Mom! 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