Heroism, values and love of country – that was the spirit of Colonel (Res.) Benny Kiryati’s recent discussion with high school students from the “Amei Asaf” School, held at the Israel Air Force Center in Herzliya. Colonel Kiryati, a member of the Board of the Israel Air Force Center Association, shared the story of his captivity in Syria at a workshop held at the IAF Center as a part of the IAF Youth Corps Program, hours before marking Yom Hazikaron (Memorial Day), which was followed by Israel’s Independence Day celebrations.

The IAF Youth Corps (Gadna Avir), headquartered at the IAF Center, was re-established in 2011 in a unique partnership between the IAF Center and the IAF.  It provides a unique multi-faceted program of values-based education and training workshops for high school students from across Israel. Students representing eight schools around Israel participate in these workshops, which re-connects them with their Zionist values and morals, and develops and sharpens their leadership skills. The Youth Corps program is inspired and based on the Heritage & Legacy of the Israel Air Force. This unique Youth Leadership Program also creates and strengthens the link between the Air Force and Israeli youth.

The Youth Corps had a strong presence throughout Israel beginning in the 1950′s. Through the decades and into the 1980′s, the Youth Corps was the platform for youngsters to aspire to and become pilots and senior Air Force officers. Many of these ambitious young people went on to become leading military commanders and prominent figures in Israel’s politics, science, industry, and economy.  In 2011, the Youth Corps Program focuses on the needs and imperatives of the 21^st Century.

The Youth Corps program offers participants theoretical aviation studies and simulation, as well as special presentations, workshops and informal meetings with IAF veterans, who share their personal stories, challenges, accomplishments and experience.

Colonel Kiryati served as a fighter pilot and was taken captive by the Syrians in 1974 and held in harsh conditions. He inspired the fascinated students with his experience in Syrian captivity.  All stayed focused on Colonel Kiryati as he described his personal challenges, his injury after his plane crashed, the harsh interrogations by his tormentors and his extreme isolation that led him to lose 66 pounds, but not his hope.

Colonel Kiryati described to the students how he decided not to give up during the investigations, despite his wounds and the difficult conditions. “Despite everything I have been through, I do not consider myself to be a hero”, he said to the rapt young listeners.

How do you explain it?

“It’s hard for me to explain. This is how I felt. I can clearly say that all I wanted to do was to go back home and continue to serve my country”. Col. Kiryati was released in a prisoner exchange agreement three months after his imprisonment and went through a long process of rehabilitation.

From the time of his release and up to the present day, Col. Kiryati has committed himself to social activism and national service, and served as Mayor of Tiberias. Among his other charitable activities he is a dedicated and an active member of the leadership of the Israel Air Force Center in Herzliya.

His story sets an example for teenagers, this country’s next generation of leaders and commanders, of how to overcome great difficulties and continue to contribute to the country in many ways.

“In the past, The IAF Youth Corps both trained and nurtured the future generations of Israel, as well as generations of Air Force Commanders. Today, its goal is to help shape the younger generation of future soldiers and commanders and motivate them, by reconnecting them to the fundamental values of the Jewish State, to volunteer and contribute to the country. One of the ways to achieve that is through meetings with the Air Force veterans, among them Benny Kiryati” says Simcha Salach, Executive Director of The Israel Air Force Center. “Benny Kiryati is a role model and his shocking, yet inspiring and motivating story conveyed to our youths on the evening of Memorial Day fills their hearts with both hope and pride and makes us all proud of our country.”

  by Lee Daniel

Israel’s Minister of Defense Lt. General (Ret.) Moshe (Bogie) Yaalon welcomed the entire high command of the Israel Defense Forces, Ministers, members of the Knesset and foreign military attachés at the special reception to mark Israel’s 65 Independence at the IAF center.

The IAF Center is proud to host this special event for the second time and welcomes the acknowledgment of the IAF Center as a national landmark.  In his address, Minister Yaalon said, ” The War of Independence did not end. The defense establishment and the IDF stand, and will continue to stand, in the face of challenges along our borders and in countries that are farther.

Israel must prepare for the possibility of striking Iran’s nuclear program on its own.  Iran is unimpressed with the West’s steps against its nuclear program and described Tehran’s nuclear program is “the most significant” threat not only to Israel, but to the Middle East and the “modern world.”

Following a visit to the City of Tiberias the families enjoyed the local delicacies of the area and a visit to the Jordan valley.  One of the highlights for children was a baking workshop and a visit to the spice farm at the top of the Gilboa Mountain.

The traditional dinner was hosted by the IAF Commander, Major General Amir Eshel who greeted each one of the participants in person.  Major General Eshel reiterated that the IAF and the IAF Center will continue to provide for the needs of the bereaved families.

In his address Major General Eshel stated: “we pledge that you will never be alone, we are all your family as we deeply understand the lack of family support.  At the IAF there are more than 500 lone soldiers in active service and today we would like to thank you on behalf of the force and the State of Israel.”

On behalf of the lone soldiers Flight Controller, Gal Kliger, thanked the IAF Commander at the ceremony.  In his address Gal described the reasons that made him decide to immigrate to Israel without his family, enlist and serve in the IAF.  Gal immigrated to Israel from Argentina and stated that the military service in the IAF is giving him meaning and understanding as a Jew and a Zionist:  “In Israel I feel the sincerity in each person I meet I feel that here people really mean what they say and don’t say it just out of courtesy.  Because of the culture, the sincerity and this special Israeli character I have decided to immigrate and serve.”

During the Retreat, the participants received updates and presentations on the advancing programs and activities at the IAF Center in Israel, and face the challenges of leadership and strategize how to advance the presence and capability of the IAF Center Foundation in the United States.

The multifaceted program included:

Welcoming remarks and a statement of solidarity for Israel from Mr. Matt Morris, representing Nevada US Senator Dean Heller, who underscored the political support in the US Congress for Israel, especially in advance of President Obama’s trip to the region.

• Motivating words in a Keynote Address by USAF Lt Gen Steven Wood, former Commander of Forces in Korea and Commander of Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada, where he trained with Israeli counterparts and gained great respect and determined support for Israel’s challenges. Gen Wood spoke passionately about the strength of the military relationship and the value that he and his colleagues in the USAF put on their relationship with the IAF and the personnel that they have come to know. Gen Wood set the tone of pride and respect for the entire Retreat and complimented the participants for supporting and advocating the programs and work of the IAF Center in Israel.

• Updates from Ms. Simcha Salach, IAF Center and Foundation Executive Director, on the broad scope of exciting work at the IAF Center, especially the dynamic Youth Leadership Program. Simcha spoke with pride about the productive efforts with the high school age Air Cadets and youngsters from communities throughout Israel who are part of the reconstituted 21^st Century IAF Youth Corps (Gadna Avir). Simcha encouraged all in attendance to feel great personal satisfaction in the accomplishment of the Youth leadership initiatives and the other amazing programs that take place at the IAF Center every day – making a difference and having an impact on the lives of Israel’s next generation of leaders.

• The dropping of the “leadership gauntlet” by Mr. Jay Sanderson, President and CEO of the LA Jewish Federation, to the IAF Center Foundation’s current and future leaders – exhorting them to know the environment in which they work and to strive for meaning and innovation in their work on behalf of the Foundation and the Jewish Community. Jay’s remarks were provocative but on point, forcing participants to look within themselves and find the determination to enable the Foundation to truly make a difference in the future of the State of Israel.
• Nothing but inspiration and pride, sharing the experiences of an IAF Pilot who joined us for the weekend. His individual story of heroism, where he related his duty protecting the State of Israel while flying over his mother’s house, made his mission very personal indeed. He also spoke about his activity at the IAF Center, interacting with high school age children and sharing his own experiences, so that they may follow in his footsteps. Our discussion with him drove home the imperative for strengthening the IAF Center and Foundation, enabling even more children to be exposed to the heroism and dedication that keep Israel secure.
• A personal invitation from Mr. Ken Abramowitz, Chairman of the 2013 Benefactor’s Mission, June 21-28, 2013 to join with him on this historic trip to Israel. This Mission, the centerpiece of the IAF Center’s 10^th Anniversary highlight a special event on June 23rd featuring PM Benjamin Netanyahu as Guest Speaker; meetings with Prof. Stanley Fischer, Head of the Board of Governors of the Bank of Israel and of course, the Pilots Graduation on June 27^th.
• The “Call to Action” in a session with Mr. Avrum Lapin, the Foundation’s US Representative. Strategies for the Foundation’s growth and advancement were discussed and set forth, leaving participants with a sense of optimism and enthusiasm for the months to come. Short term initiatives resulting from the Retreat included: a broad leadership meeting in Los Angeles in early April; a reconnected and energized New York Leadership corps; a visit to Chicago to seek new connections and break new ground; and many individual commitments to lead and to help.

Participants left Las Vegas soaring, ready to bring the Foundation to new heights in the months to come.

In introducing Lt Gen Haloutz, Consul General Aharoni spoke about the role of the IAF as “an inspiration and guiding force in the life and in the success of the State of Israel.” “The Israel Air Force,” he continued, “drives Israel’s spirit of innovation and the sense that anything is possible.”

Lt Gen Haloutz, who also serves as the Chairman of the IAF Center’s 10th Anniversary, offered a private briefing on developments in the Middle East and extended a personal invitation to all in attendance to visit the Center and to participate in the 10 Anniversary activities as part of the IAF Center Foundation’s annual Mission in June 2013.

During their participation at the Space Conference, they had the opportunity to meet with astronauts from NASA, military and science experts and dignitaries from close to 15 countries from around the world.  During the conference NASA Administrator, Mr. Charles Bolden said, “the Colombia Shuttle Crew created integrity and pride even though they are not with us physically.   During this visit in Israel I have met many youngsters and I could see Ilan Ramon in their faces. I saw their enthusiasm and determination to follow his path.” 

President Shimon Peres, in his greeting address, spoke to the conference participants about the importance of space research and exploration.  President Peres said, “Space is a compensation for Israel’s size since in space Israel feels equal to major powers with its research and Israel’s achievements in space.”

We are grateful to all the Foundation’s Supporters who share with us the success in investing in Israel’s future generations.

 To accommodate all participants, we had 2 events in the morning and afternoon, making the first day of Hanukkah a unique day which enables us to express our love and admiration to those who sacrificed their loved ones in the defense of our Nation.  At his greetings to the families, IAF Chief Rabbi, Rabbi Chagai Veloski said: “all year we light candles to commemorate the memory of the fallen, today we are lighting the candles of light and triumph in celebration of our freedom”. In the morning show the Hanukkah Menorah was lit by IAF Chief Rabbi, IAF Head of Personnel, Brig. General Ilan Boger, and 3 orphans, the children of Major Shay Danor, who left  a wife and 5 children when he fell in the line of duty at the age of 35. In the afternoon show the daughter of Yaron Fisher and the daughter of Adi Shefer, joined the IAF Chief Rabbi and IAF Head of Personnel to lit  the Hanukkah Menorah. In his address to the families, Brig. General Ilan Boger stated: “we are committed to support all those who have paid the ultimate price in defending our nation”.

The annual gathering and reception followed by a show which featured Israel number one Mime Hanoch Rozen. The show presents the little man against the world and the environment. Rozen leads viewers through a series of episodes and shows ways to see themselves in an original and amusing, sometimes poignant, sometimes tragic – comic but always unpredictable situations.

 The IAFC Foundation is thankful to all the donors who made this activity possible and who are supporting the IAF Center’s programs throughout the year.

We wish you all Happy Hanukkah.

Children and parents alike were delighted and touched as they felt the embrace of the IAF and the Jewish Nation and knew that they were not alone.   We, at the IAF Center, Center staff and IAF personnel, are proud to help our people and we will always stand side by side with them, especially during difficult times.  The children did not want to leave and go back home with their parents as they had such a good time.

We salute and thank all of our friends and supporters. We are grateful to all of you who make this Center possible and enable us to prove, once again, that we are all one united family and free and caring Nation.