In Israel, young men are required to serve in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) for 3 years and young women for 2 years. There are exemptions for religious and/or medical reasons, and the requirement does not extend to Arabs or Palestinians.

However, those exempt may serve voluntarily, and they do! For example, the IDF has special units to allow those with special needs to serve with dignity and usefulness. Likewise, Arabs and Palestinians who are citizens of Israel may serve voluntarily, and they too serve with dignity.

Some even climb the ranks. Recently a highly decorated Arab woman, serving without her family’s knowledge, was promoted to Major and is now a vocal advocate for the IDF. Captain Ella is now Major Ella and is to be commended. The IDF is once more shown to be very welcoming to those who wish to fight on behalf of Israel.

BTW – read Major Ella’s fascinating story of her family’s reaction when they learned of her service in the IDF.