Dream Trip 2009

Great Travel Moment

In Israel, military service for all, with few exceptions, is mandatory. Both women and men must join the Israeli Defense Force (IDF) and serve this nation surrounded by aggressors. Dressed in olive drab, young recruits tote M-16s and are present in all corners across the land. They travel for free and are a common sight on the busses that I used to criss-cross this small country in the Middle-East. While walking through the warren of tiny streets that is Old Jerusalem, I came across a number of recruits and asked to take their pictures. We smoked cigarettes, shared a coffee and spoke of their experiences.