LEAP takes McChord Airman to Israel

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Jacob Jimenez
  • 62nd Public Affairs Office
JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. --  Capt. Jonathan Goldstein, 4th Airlift Squadron pilot, returned here from a month-long trip April 23, after working with the Office of Defense Cooperation at the U.S. embassy in Tel Aviv, Israel through the Air Force's Language Enabled Airmen Program.

LEAP is an Air Force language and culture learning program that takes advantage of Airmen's existing foreign language skills. The program is designed to develop a general-purpose force that is proficient in foreign languages and cultures.

"I found out I was selected for the trip last August and was really happy to know I would have this opportunity to go back to Israel," said Goldstein.

Visiting Israel almost every year since the age of four, and growing up speaking Hebrew, Goldstein said he was already well adapted to the Israeli culture and mostly fluent in Hebrew prior to his trip.

"It was nice to go back and to see all the changes that have taken place since the last time I visited," said Goldstein.

Already familiar with the culture and the language, Goldstein took on multiple duties working with Israel Defense Forces. He assisted them in the acquisition of aircraft missiles, radar systems and night vision goggles from the U.S.

"This was my first dose of what it is to be a foreign liaison officer," said Goldstein.

One of the duties Goldstein performed during his trip was to inspect and ensure proper demilitarization of retired Israeli tanks. He was responsible for making sure they were destroyed and disposed of in accordance with international treaties and regulations.

In his free time, Goldstein studied three days a week in an IDF think tank in Jerusalem.

"We would sit in this room surrounded by laptops and huge stacks of books, studying and discussing different military laws and policies in Hebrew," said Goldstein. "It was quite an experience."

Studying alongside IDF members, Goldstein discussed military law and ethics with lawyers, chaplains and physicians. Together, they produced informational pamphlets for IDF soldiers.

Goldstein said the most meaningful assignment he undertook was assisting with the delivery of the first C-130J Super Hercules aircraft to the IDF. He also wrote the speech that would be given by Daniel Shapiro, U.S. Ambassador to Israel, on the day of the aircraft's delivery to Nevatim Airbase.

"I really enjoyed being able to use my knowledge of the U.S. and Israeli cultures and of the Hebrew language to write the speech for the event," said Goldstein. "It was a great honor."

Goldstein's speech ended with the Israeli saying "Titchadshu" which means, "Enjoy your new possession and all the benefits that come with it."

Looking back, Goldstein said he wants to believe he has helped make a difference in Israel.

"I hope the work I did there will make a lasting, positive impression on our international relationship," said Goldstein. "It was a great honor to contribute in a small way to our security relationship and the bond that we have forged over time."