Jordan’s military aids refugees

Jordan Armed Forces

It is not the first, nor will it be the last, great demonstration of noble and grand humanitarian notions. Our great Arabian Jordanian Army has always been a unique symbol of great principles and humanitarian values, the result of the values and principles that reside at the heart of the Jordanian kingdom.

The photos and comments that have appeared in local, Arabic and international news concerning the humane side of the Jordan Armed Forces during the reception of groups of refugees fleeing death, destruction and chaos in hopes of finding a new safe life full of peace and security have been a source of pride. The Soldiers welcome these people with open arms and abundant hospitality. Pictures show Soldiers carrying children, who cross our northern borders with their families, hugging them warmly with love and care, and kissing them while smiling. The children’s eyes light up with happiness at the attention the Soldiers give them. Other pictures show a very old man being carried by a Jordanian Soldier and an extremely exhausted woman leaning over the arm of a Jordanian hero, who is helping her walk. A picture that has recently gone viral is of a Jordanian Soldier demonstrating his intelligence, cleverness and humanity by putting his gun away, giving a refugee child a sense of security and reducing his fear.

There are also many other pictures of our champions providing water and food, of military doctors and nurses inspecting and giving medicine to patients among the refugees and tired people, and of all of the people seeking the protection of Jordan, a country where they can find peace and security, shelters where they can stay and be provided with care, and services and relief after suffering extreme conditions. All such pictures demonstrate our Jordanian values and Arab nobility as well as our godly virtues, the honor of our manhood, and the principles of our Army.

As of early 2016, my country was hosting about 650,000 Syrian refugees, most of whom were aided by Jordan’s Armed Forces, usually at a border crossing. Our Army does all this with commitment and without any sense of arrogance. Our Army does not do this just for the sake of taking pictures; to do this is at the core of our godly values and part of our Arabic culture and traditions, which have become a part of each of our Soldiers and are manifest in their behavior, assuring purity in the hearts of the Arab-Jordanian champions.

We call on the world, telling it that this Arabic Army is an Army for building and establishing civilization as well as an Army for sacrifice and heroism. It is a well-informed Army that can provide health care and humanitarian help when needed. It is an Army that aids in development. With its Hashemite leadership at the head, along with the nation’s support, it becomes a humanitarian Army that accomplishes its missions regardless of conditions or circumstances. It is ready to address crisis management, natural disasters, extreme weather, severe conditions, necessities and unexpected events. It is always prepared to help and do whatever is possible, from relief to health care. That is why we are proud to have such an Army, an Army that carries a weapon in one hand and a pick and olive branch in the other: The same hand that wipes away tears, sows happiness and embraces the needy.

An Army with such qualities is worthy of respect and admiration, especially because of its long record of aiding neighboring Arab nations, as it has always done. It is always ready to be on the front line of sacrifice and to be the first to provide help and aid. It has field hospitals in places such as Beirut, Benghazi, Cairo, Fallujah and Sudan that reflect this humanitarian side of the Army and its Arab bravery, shown in different forms of sacrifice and courage that see it defending the issues of concern to nations. This is the Army’s reputation, an honorable image before the whole world. It is known in all countries to be fair, unbiased and humane; it presents its services to countries hit by troubles through participation in international peacekeeping forces.

Yes, this is our Army, of which we are so proud. Those men make us hold our heads up high; they are our champions, whose humanity and military bearing reflect a unified Jordanian family with its inclusive identity. These heroes have graduated from the Hashemite school, imbued with all of its fine conduct and values. They are obedient to His Majesty, their supreme commander, who perpetually boosts their capabilities and empowers them to meet his expectations, to be loyal to their vows and to their nation. Thus, they deserve a wealth of appreciation, respect, love, loyalty and support from all of us. They have always been as we wanted them to be: an example in performing their duties and protecting our country as well as serving its citizens. When we mention our home country, we Jordanians mean our beloved Jordan, which continues to grow under wise leadership with the help of its loyal citizens. Then there is our larger Arab home, in which we have long since believed, and with regard to which we have taught our children that all Arab countries are our home countries, and all Arabs are our brothers.