How I Saw Michael Jackson in Person in the IDF

As the world mourns the death of Michael Jackson, I think this might be a good time to share my own personal encounter with the legendary pop idol. This surreal encounter took place in an IDF base, of all places. Surreal, but real.

I was a young cadette in officer’s school sometime during the summer of 1993. We were all busy with our courses, with a daily routine that revolves around getting your room and gun ready for the inspections, studying for tests and generally being moved from point A to point B in a hot and dusty all-female base where the women’s officers course used to take place back then.  For those who know it, I’m talking about “Bahd 12″.

We knew Michael Jackson had been visiting Israel at the time, but believe me, nothing prepared us for that weird order of the day… as during morning inspection, one of our instructors solmenly announced we’re going to have a special inspection that day – with Michael Jackson overseeing our drills.

Did I say “surreal” already?

A group of the girls was chosen to do the special drills for General Pop and they had to practice all day long in the sun. When the time came, we all had to leave our guns behind, as MJ’s security folks didn’t appreciate him standing in front of several hundreds teenage girls armed with rifles.

The visit itself was fairly short. He was in a big fancy car, and the girls paraded in front of him with the rest of us sitting in the arena cheering. I think what we liked best about the whole thing was being allowed to cheer and shout for a while, for whom most of us couldn’t care less (although there were a few fans among us who were truly excited).

After the parade, the fancy car itself drove forward and Michael, never leaving the car, waved at us. I still remember that white glove of his waving.  More cheers, louder this time.  And then he drove away.

So, there you go. I am hoping this isn’t classified material by now

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