By Tom Brennan
The history of women in the Bible is a stirring and dramatic contrast to the roles of women in other cultures. There are women who assassinate enemy generals( Jael,who killed Sisera with a tent peg); women who lead in battle (Deborah); women who go against law and traditions in mighty kingdoms to save their people (Esther) and women who shatter protocol to show their gratitude (the woman who anointed Yeshua at the banquet). Women have honored positions and demonstrate extraordinary character in the Bible. How more fitting is it than to have women serving in the defense of their country as soldiers as the women of the IDF do.
Israel is the only nation that requires national service of its women citizens. Even women from the ultra orthodox or religious women are required to fulfill national service in a capacity that respects their religious affiliation. Since the war of 1948 when women fought alongside the male soldiers to protect the new nation, to today’s high tech support duties, women have shared the dangers and sense of pride that the Israelis place in their defenders. David Ben-Gurion supported and praised the women soldiers. legend of women soldiers was established as the young nation won the grudging respect of its defeated neighbors while they still plotted further wars against The Land. But as a short time of peace until 1956 began, women were stationed in administrative duties.
After the 1948 War of Independence women no longer served in combat units in the IDF. The required national service was conducted in support units.In 1994 an immigrant from South Africa appealed and received a decision from the Israel High Court of Justice that stated that combat roles for women in the IDF could not be denied to them. In 1997 the Air Force flight school was opened for women applicants. By 2000 the Defense Service Law was offically amended to state that women could serve in any role in an equal status as men.This included combat units where qualified. Female soldiers who qualified as combat troops were required t serve 30 months as opposed to the normal 21 months, however. By the end of 2000 women were serving in artillery units and then in several elite combat units. The Navy had opened up the diving repair unit to women as well. As of 2004 over 450 women were in combat units.
The Caracal Company for border patrol interdiction along the Egyprian frontier for drugs and terrorists was now coed.The Oketz K-9 dog company had women as trainers ,handlers and soldiers. More combat units are being opened to women soldiers on a regular basis. Israel now has its first woman Major General, Major General Orna Barbivai.
When you see photos of young women in the uniform of the IDF with automatic weapons slung over their shoulders, just remember that these ladies’ weapons are locked, loaded and they can shoot. And Israel’s enemies need to remember that the female soldiers of Israel’s IDF never miss, either.
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