New recruits of the Israeli Navy place their hands on the Bible as they swear allegiance to the IDF and the State of Israel. In the times of Nehemiah, those rebuilding Jerusalem were responsible for the defense and protection of the Holy City. Today, the soldiers of the IDF are the ones responsible for protecting Israel. Israeli soldiers are the spiritual descendants of Nehemiah’s workforce who are reminded that it is not their strength alone that protects the nations, but Hashem above.
