IDF soldiers appreciate local support

Noah Dure, a 24-year-old Five Towns native who is serving in the Israel Defense Forces, says that the American families of soldiers who are serving in Israel are having a difficult time.

“It’s a different type of perspective,” Dure said at a gathering last Saturday at Young Israel of Hewlett, referring to the relatives of soldiers in the Five Towns, many of whom volunteer in efforts to support those in Israel. “The people that have it the worst are the families — they don’t know what’s happening.”

Dure was drafted into the IDF in 2019, and released in 2022. But he was recalled last Oct. 7, after Hamas attacked Israel, and served once more until the end of February, when he returned to the United States. His IDF military service restarted again on June 1, and he was back serving in Israel.

“It was quite crazy in the states prior to the war,” Dure, who is from Hewlett, said. “It was very stressful, not really understanding what was happening. We got our gear — it wasn’t the best gear, but it didn’t even matter. We had a job to do.”

Dure, who is a 20-year-member of Young Israel of Hewlett, was moved around Israel after his return in October, and stayed beyond his initial release date because he was needed. 

“I got sick for a few days because it was so dirty,” he said.

On his time off, he shared his experiences at YIH.

“It was kind of weird, because going back to the States at this time, everyone treated me like a celebrity,” he said. “To me, it’s my job. It’s an honor to be (in Israel).”

He said that the war was just as bad in northern Israel, something many were not aware of.

“Just so amazing, just to come back and be able to speak, and be able to smile, and be part of davening,” Eric Rogers, the president of YIH, said of Dure, referring to reciting Jewish prayer.

“I think it is very brave of him to have voluntarily joined the IDF to protect the country that is now his home, and by extension, the home for all the Jewish people, and stand up for what he believes in,” Elana Mendelev, Dure’s older sister, said. “So it’s something I’m extremely proud of. Of course, it also means that I’m always very nervous and worried for his well-being and his safety.”

YIH hosted the event with Esther Krown, the mother of Sara Krown, another organization member who is now serving in the IDF; Mendelev; and Rabbi Simcha Hopkovitz, a member of the YIH Emergency Fund Committee and a representative of the Israel Chesed Center in Hewlett.

“The emergency fund is paying for equipment for helmets, vests and boots for Noah and Sara,” Stephen Krown, Sara’s father, said.

Hopkovitz, who has grown close with both Dure and Krown, said they created their own paths.

“I’ve had the Dures and the Krowns over my house,” Hopkovitz said. “They’re not the preaching type — that’s important, they were never the preaching type — but by example, they showed devotion to Orthodox Judaism, to the people of Israel, the land of Israel, responsibility for community, and the kids internalize it on their own.”

A benefit concert is scheduled for July 11 at the Israel Chesed Center, at 1315 Peninsula Blvd. in Hewlett, to solicit additional support.

“One of the biggest issues that we’re faced with is that, as the war continues, it becomes less ‘sexy,’” Marc Bodner, the center’s director, said. “People tend to, I wouldn’t say forget, but kind of look away from the need. There’s a lot of donor fatigue.”

The need for equipment is high, Dure said, but all kinds of support helps. “Showing that voice and sending those letters, just knowing that you’re there gives us so much strength,” he said.

Tickets for the concert are $18 in advance, and $25 at the door. A sponsorship is $180. Tickets can be purchased at YihHewlett.org.

To become involved at the Chesed Center, go to IsraelChesedCenter.com.