US-Europe World Affairs

The State of Israel and its Armed-Forces have one of the most open multicultural political and military system.  The history of Holy Land can attest this fact, by having its 8th President an Iranian immigrant Moshe Katsav,  only a few years ago.

With the encouragement of PM  Benjamin Netanyahu  and religious leaders like Greek Orthodox Priest Father Gabriel Nadaf  more young Arab and Christian are joining the Israeli Armed-Forces, for a better life and future. 

The number of christians and Arabs serving in the Israeli Defense Force is increasing every year. 

“The traditional view of the Arab-Israeli conflict is of Jews fighting Muslims. But that image does not always reflect the truth. 

In fact, there are thousands of Muslim Bedouin who serve in the Israeli army, or IDF, and even bear arms against their fellow Muslims in the occupied West Bank and Gaza.”  Rachid Sekkai BBC Arabic Service, northern Israel. October 20, 2009

1. Additional: Increased Coordination Between Israeli Armed-Forces and the Palestinians for Celebration of Christmas Season
2. Thousands of Muslim serving in Israeli Army.  The Israeli Army does not publish statistics numbers of the non-Jewish enlisted soldiers. However it says hundreds of non-Jewish Israeli citizens – Muslims, Christians and Druze – join the IDF every year. by BBC documentary   

• News from PM Netanyahu                                          
• News form Israel Armed-Forces
• Israel Armed Forces (on U.S Europe World Affairs) 
• Israel, diplomatic and cultural affairs   (on U.S Europe World Affairs) 

Acknowledgments: This article was originally published in October 2016 on U.S.Europe World Affairs and in PCDN Global Think Tank in the U.S. Article by Catherine S. Schmidt, Editor in Chief. 

June 14th holds a special significance for the United States. It marks both the U.S. Army’s birthday and U.S Flag day.

On this day in 1777, the Continental Congress recognized and adopted the Stars and Stripes as the  United States’ official flag. And years later in 1949 the formal recognition of June 14th as the Flag Day was established by President Harry S. Truman.

Throughout the centuries…… across the world, the U.S flag has been the leading defender of freedom, by fighting openly against tyranny, oppression, fascism and authoritarian systems.The Stars and Stripes is not only the representative of United States national emblem, but prominently on the international stage and….. for the rest of the world…..,it is the enduring aspirations of Freedom and Liberty, Human Rights and  Democracy.

About the United States Flag, by Smithsonian

Acknowledgments: Image © California NG. Article by Catherine S. Schmidt, Editor in Chief. 

Stay tuned for the upcoming article  ‘The Multinational U.S Army-led exercise Defender 25 from April 10 through June 24, 2025′.                                                                                     

Get update from  U.S Army Europe and Africa on  Defender Europe 25

Observed every year on the first Thursday of May, the National Day of Prayer was first established in 1952. And later in 1988 the day was designated by Congress as a time for all faiths to pray for the United States, its leadership, and the world. This important observance has its origin back to 1774, when the first Continental Congress invited the nation to this spiritual event. 

“From the earliest days of our Nation’s journey, America has been guided by the grace of Almighty God.  Beginning with the opening prayer at the First Continental Congress in 1774, our faith has perpetually stood as the summit of our strength, the source of our unity, and the fount of our greatness.  This National Day of Prayer, we thank God for His endless blessings ‑- and we ask Him to grant us fortitude, wisdom, and a renewed spirit of justice as we continue the work to save our country and restore our national promise.” Excerpt from President Trump’s Presidential Proclamation of the National Day of Prayer 2025 ©The White House May 1, 2025

“On this day, may our faiths enable us to sow the seeds of progress in our ever-changing world. Let us resolve to guide our children and grandchildren to embrace freedom for all, to see God in everyone, and to remember that no matter what differences they may have, they, just like we, will always be united by their common humanity.” Excerpt from President Obama’s Presidential Proclamation of the National Day of Prayer 2016 ©The White House May 2016

 “This event is a powerful reminder that prayer has the strength to connect and inspire us, fostering unity across all branches of service and the surrounding communities. Praying together strengthens not only individuals but entire families, creating a ripple effect that builds unit cohesion and enhances readiness for any mission,” Highlighted Maj. Joseph Okpe, Fort Buchanan’s Chaplain, on the National Prayer Luncheon May 1, 2025

The 405th Army Field Support Brigade Europe and Africa joined the Army and the Nation in the National Day of Prayer May 1 at the brigade headquarters on Daenner Kaserne in Germany (U.S Army Base)

• Additional: Prayer Day at Fort Buchanan Highlights the Importance of Spiritual Readiness,  U.S Army 
• The National Day of Prayer in the United States 2023 
• The National Day of Prayer in the United States 2017 
• Get updates from  405th Army Field Support Brigade – Europe & Africa

Acknowledgments: Sources © U.S Army / The White House/ National Day of Prayer. Image: Service members, families, retirees, and veterans gathered in the National Prayer Luncheon, where they prayed for peace and unity in Puerto Rico, the United States, and around the world. May 1, 2025 ©U.S Army /David Hernandez. Video: 405th AFSB joins Army and Nation in the National Day of Prayer May 1 2025.©DoD/ 405th Army Field Support Brigade – Europe and Africa/ National Guard/ 405th Army Field Support Brigade- Europe and Africa. May 1, 2025, by Cameron Porter. Article by Catherine S. Schmidt, Editor in Chief.