Great In Uniform
http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=gZC42c8lMqg
This touching video highlights a group of Israeli soldiers—members of the Israel Defense Forces---who just happen to have special needs. Yet, they have joined the army, much as their friends and neighbors have done. For these kids and their families, being in uniform is the fulfillment of a dream.
See also the following related article courtesy of Aish.com:
IDF Integrates Special Needs Soldiers
Imagine being an Israeli kid with Down Syndrome and dreaming one day of becoming a soldier in the IDF.
Imagine the parents dreaming to see this special child gain an independent life.
Now imagine this dream becoming reality.
As the video shows, "Great in Uniform" is a project that integrates young people with disabilities into the IDF, as soldiers in every aspect including a uniform. The goal: to provide a successful path of integration into society.
It all started in 2001, when IDF Lt. Col. Ariel Almog was driving in the Jordan Valley and spotted a terrorist approaching a bus full of passengers. After a short struggle, Almog succeeded in neutralizing the terrorist, who was wearing three explosive devices.
Then suddenly, shots were fired at Almog from a nearby olive grove. A "back-up" terrorist was there to assist in the planned carnage. Almog was shot in the head, but miraculously managed to fire his own weapon and neutralize the second terrorist as well.
While recuperating for months in the hospital, Almog was exposed to many injured people with disabilities. It was then he conceived of incorporating disabled teens into the IDF.
Today, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Belinitzky ofthe Israeli organization "Lend a Hand"is on board to expand the project to include thousands more teenagers throughout the country.
Rabbi Belinitzky is driven to fulfill the Torah precepts of "Love your neighbor" and sanctifying God's name,Kiddush Hashem.
By working in IDF kitchens and supply depots, the project enables young men and women to preserve their human dignity, while gaining skills to contribute meaningfully to society. A team of psychologists and social workers accompany the soldiers throughout the program.
It's something all Israel can be proud of.