Honoring the women of the IDF

Boynton Beach, Florida retiree, Jerry Klinger, has dedicated his life to preserving the often-overlooked contributions of Jewish individuals and communities. After a successful career in finance, he founded the Jewish American Society for Historic Preservation, which has completed over 200 historical projects across 43 states and eight countries, highlighting Jewish heritage and history.

Klinger's journey into historical preservation began with an unexpected discovery while searching for the first Jewish house of worship in New Mexico. Instead of finding Temple Montefiore, he stumbled upon a Catholic church. This sparked the first of many markers, plaques, and monuments he would place across the United States, including Temple Beth El in Pensacola, Florida. These markers aim to affirm the integral role of Jewish Americans in the nation's history.

One of Klinger's most recent and heartfelt initiatives is a project honoring the women of the Israel Defense Forces. These women, who have fought and sacrificed alongside their male counterparts throughout Israel's history, have not been sufficiently recognized. During the Hamas attack on Oct. 7, the bravery of the Tatzpaniot (the Watchers) was unparalleled. These young IDF women, whose daily job was to monitor activity along the Gaza border, had detected unusual patterns and had alerted their superiors for weeks, but their reports were dismissed. Despite being mostly unarmed and considered low in the hierarchy, they faced the onslaught with remarkable courage. When Hamas militants violently breached the fence, the few women who had access to weapons fought fiercely - female tank crews responded with remarkable efficiency and determination, engaging enemy forces and protecting their fellow soldiers. Many Tatzpaniot lost their lives, but their heroic efforts, alongside those of the female tank crews, underscored their critical role in defending Israel.

The Jewish American Society for Historic Preservation, under Klinger's leadership, has proposed a tribute memorial to honor the women of the IDF. Working with Jerusalem artist and sculptor Sam Philipe, JASHP has developed a concept for a realistic sculpture featuring two women soldiers, one from 1948 and one from 2024. This nine-foot sculpture aims to convey a clear and direct message of gratitude and respect for their service: 1948 marks the founding of the State of Israel and the critical role women played in the War of Independence, while 2024 represents the modern, ongoing contributions of women in the IDF under the most challenging conditions.

Despite the unanimous agreement that such a tribute is deserved, the project has faced significant hurdles. JASHP reached out to various cities, women's groups, governmental agencies, and former President of Israel Reuven Rivlin, yet the responses have been disappointingly silent. Undeterred, Klinger and JASHP continue their quest, believing that the right thing must not be allowed to fade away due to bureaucratic inertia.

In a small, yet meaningful gesture, JASHP has already made a difference. They have provided televisions and other essential items to five front-line Tatzpaniot bases, where the women soldiers have the critical job of monitoring the Gaza border. This act of kindness, along with a tiny stone plaque, ensures that these brave women know their courage is honored and their sacrifices are remembered.

Historically, comparable tributes to women soldiers include the Women in Military Service for America Memorial at Arlington National Cemetery, which honors the contributions of women in the U.S. armed forces, and the Monument to the Women of World War II in London, which recognizes the vital roles played by British women during the war. However, nothing exists in Israel to honor women soldiers. The proposed tribute to the women of the IDF would serve as a significant and overdue reminder of their invaluable contributions to Israel's defense.

JASHP's motto, "Shaping the Future by Remembering the Past," underscores the importance of honoring the legacy of these brave Israeli women.

For information on helping the Tatzpaniyot (the Watchers) or to contribute toward the memorial to honor the women of the IDF, visit JASHP's website at http://www.JASHP.org. Jerry Klinger can be reached at JASHP1@msn.com.