|
Trending Topics
|
Source: http://haaretz.com/hasen/spages/1027745.html
Rise in Number of Israeli Arab IDF Recruits in 2008
[Ha'aretz] Yoav Stern - The number of Israeli Arab Bedouin recruits to the IDF has increased dramatically in the first nine months of 2008. The number is estimated to have increased by 50 to 100 from the beginning of the year, bringing the total number of recruits in 2008 to some 300. The rate of non-Bedouin Arabs' recruitment has also increased in recent years. The law exempts non-Druze Arab citizens from compulsory military service. Lt. Amir Juamis, 27, of Beit Zarzir, who commands a military team, was asked how he feels about fighting with his people on the other side of the border. He said: "A terrorist is a terrorist. Islam doesn't say you have to kill. He comes to kill here and can kill a Jew or an Arab. It's my duty to prevent that."