“The Israeli military is following the example of the Armed Forces of Ukraine,” – IDF fighter Roman Goldman, founder of the Ukrainian-Israeli mission of medical volunteers FRIDA Ukraine

The Israeli army, which has extensive experience in protecting its territory, is today actively studying the methods developed and applied by the Ukrainian Defense Forces (UDF). On this topic RBC-Ukraine spoke with Roman Goldman, a member of an elite IDF unit that rescues downed pilots and evacuates wounded from the battlefield. According to him, In a short period of time, the Armed Forces of Ukraine were able to show the whole world a high level of combat effectiveness and strategic planning.

Ukraine is far from a foreign country for Roman Goldman. Here, in the first days of Russian aggression, he founded Ukrainian-Israeli mission FRIDA Ukraine.

See our articles about FRIDA Ukraine:

• The Ukrainian-Israeli mission of medical volunteers FRIDA Ukraine was among the first to rush to provide assistance to children and fellow doctors at Okhmatdyt in Kyiv

• Chance for salvation: how Ukrainian-Israeli doctors of the FRIDA mission help residents of the Donetsk region – report from Ukrayinska Pravda

• Israeli doctors save victims of the explosion of the Kakhovskaya hydroelectric power station under Russian shelling

For more than 2.5 years, the mission’s doctors have been traveling to front-line territories in Ukraine, where they examine patients and provide free medical care. This team unites over 1,100 Israeli and Ukrainian volunteer doctors who help thousands of Ukrainians affected by the war.

The missions in Donetsk, Kharkov and other regions include medical specialists of various specialties. Visits are provided by endocrinologists, cardiologists, pediatricians, dentists and doctors of many other specialties.

According to Roman, Israeli experience in organizing medical care for military personnel can be useful in Ukraine.

“I believe that a hybrid model, where Ukrainian doctors could travel to a combat zone for one or two months and then return to their civilian work, could be effective in Ukraine. For doctors, signing a service contract for several years is a rather radical decision. After all, they are, first of all, civilian and scientific specialists, not military ones. But a system where Ukrainian doctors will be called up for a limited time will help save many military lives,” he expresses his opinion.

Even in conditions of hostilities in Israel, some Israeli doctors manage to travel to Ukraine for humanitarian missions. Recently, for example, one Israeli resuscitator returned from a mission in the Donetsk region. The project continues to work in 10 regions, including Sumy and Kherson, Donetsk and Zaporozhye.

Roman Goldman hopes that when the acute phase of the conflict in Israel ends, he will have the opportunity to come to his Ukrainian colleagues, support them and personally thank them for what they are doing for the Ukrainians.

Service in the Armed Forces of Ukraine is in many ways similar to the work of the military in Israel, the interlocutor says. Just like Ukrainian fighters, in Israel statistics show a high percentage of lower extremity injuries, since shelling and explosions lead to many shrapnel injuries.

“During the operation, our units encounter mined areas where there may be many grenades and explosive devices. Most of the injuries are related to shrapnel wounds – as in Ukraine, where similar injuries are also common,” adds Goldman.

Goldman expressed deep respect for his Ukrainian colleagues, noting that, despite the difficulties, the Ukrainian Armed Forces were able to quickly become one of the most prepared armies. He emphasized that Over the past ten years, the Ukrainian military has done a great job of creating a modern and strong armywhich is admired by his colleagues in Israel.

“We always speak with great respect about our colleagues from the Armed Forces of Ukraine and admire their achievements,” he noted. “The Ukrainians were able to create a progressive army in just a few years, and that’s really impressive.”

Common Hidden Enemy

“By conducting an operation in Lebanon, we are protecting ourselves. The troops do not carry out any operations against the Lebanese people, our neighbors. After all, the Lebanese have actually become hostages of a paramilitary terrorist organization. The goal is the elimination of Hezbollah militants, an organization supported and financed by Iran. This is a clear enemy – our enemy, and our colleagues from the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the enemy of our Ukrainian brothers. Iran supplies deadly weapons and suicide bombs (to both the Russian Federation and Hezbollah terrorists – ed.). And with the help of these weapons, the Russian army today attacks Ukraine every day,” the military man points out.

Comparing the history of conflicts: 75 years of war in Israel versus 10 years in Ukraine

The Israeli army, which has been in existence for more than 75 years, has extensive experience in resolving military conflicts and defending its territory, but has found it useful to adopt certain elements of Ukrainian tactics. Over the past 10 years of war with Russia, The Ukrainian Armed Forces have developed many modern approaches to combat operations that help Ukraine defend itself from aggression.

Goldman also noted that for the Israelis, protecting their territory is a fundamental goal, as are the Ukrainian soldiers, who are on the front lines defending their country 24/7.

The problem of fake documents in Ukraine and attitudes towards service in Israel

Discussing attitudes towards military service, Roman Goldman touched on a topic that differs for the two countries. In Ukraine, he said, sometimes there are cases of falsification of documents or corruption schemes in order to avoid mobilization. He emphasized that in Israel there is no such practice, and citizens are willing to serve.

“I heard that in Ukraine there are cases of bribery and forgery of documents, but I have not encountered this in Israel,” he said. “Our turnout for mobilization is about 180%, and even those who have health problems are ready to participate in defending the country, even if their contribution is minimal.”

This point, in his opinion, reflects the difference in the approaches of citizens to serving in the army. Goldman believes that the importance of service must be conveyed to citizens through honest government communication so that people understand its importance.

Honest communication as a way to reduce fears and increase motivation to serve

Goldman is confident that honest and open communication between government and citizens can significantly influence attitudes toward military service. The army, he said, should be perceived as an opportunity to contribute to the defense and development of the country. A competent dialogue between the authorities and citizens can reduce fears and concerns associated with mobilization, he is sure.

“When people have access to information, they feel more confident and ready to serve,” he emphasized.

“I know the Ukrainian people well. These are very patriotic people, people with fortitude! If you organize the correct presentation of information, the turnout for mobilization will be amazing. Ukraine is a young state with a progressive army. And I am sure that everything will be fine in Ukraine. And in the military sphere – 100%,” Roman is sure.

Exchange of experience in the field of medical care in war

Ukraine and Israel also actively cooperate in the field of medical support on the battlefield. Goldman noted that both armies share medical care protocolsadapting established schemes and techniques for each other. These exchanges of protocols are especially important for saving lives on the front lines, where fast and quality medical intervention is critical.

He expresses his respect and admiration for the Ukrainian defenders.

“I just want to say to the Ukrainian military: the whole world is proud of you. I know how difficult it is for you. Hold on! Good will always triumph over evil. You are simply cool, incredible! And I want to tell all Ukrainians that a strong rear is very, very important for your loved ones at the front. It is necessary not to give up, not to leave Ukraine and not to look for easy ways or temporary relocation. It is important to focus on supporting your country, doing everything possible for it,” the interlocutor sums up.

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