A soldier of two nations — and one moral mission, to shine the light on the state of Israel. #JerusalemCares
What does it mean to fight for freedom? For most Americans, it’s a matter of principle. For Mark Hardie, it became a matter of service — twice. Long Beach, Southern California native, Mark wore the uniform of both the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and the United States Army.
Mark, a convert to Judaism, risked his life for two homelands united by shared democratic values.
In a time when Israel is often reduced to headlines and hashtags, Mark’s journey reminds us that support for the Jewish state is not merely a Jewish issue — it is a human one. It is about defending democracy, human rights, and the dignity of all people against extremism and terror.
The Unexpected Path To Israel
Mark’s path began in California politics — serving as a staff attorney for Governor Pete Wilson and later as a special assistant to Senator Barbara Boxer. But in 1995, he took upon himself a new life commitment by converting to Judaism.
When Israel’s security came under threat in the early 2000s, Mark made an extraordinary decision — to enlist in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).
While serving in the IDF ranks Mark became fully aware that he is serving with what is nowadays known as “the world’s most moral army.” He served with soldiers who were always mindful of human rights, even on the front line while their mission was to protect life, not take it needlessly.
Mark Hardie is almost certainly the first African American Jew to have served in the IDF.
As an IDF soldier he was treated “like a celebrity,” he recalls. He was featured in a local newspaper article, the IDF spokesperson’s department arranged for him to appear on shows and his comrades were forever curious to know about American celebrities, e.g., singer Michael Jackson, Oprah Winfrey, basketball star Michael Jordan.
The attention Mark received brought about the idea to call himself a “diplomat of peace,” proving that strength and compassion are not opposites but partners.
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Author: Ruth King
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