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"An Enemy Is an Enemy, Even If He Speaks Arabic Like I Do"

(Israel Defense Forces) Rotem Caro Weizman - The Bedouin Desert Reconnaissance Battalion, founded in 1987, is entirely composed of volunteers, mostly Bedouins and some non-Bedouin Arab-Israelis. For the Bedouin community, it represents a ticket to the heart of Israeli society and a solution to economic distress. First Sergeant Haani Kalib, an Arab Muslim, says: "I explained to people that we live in a country which provides for us and therefore we have to give something in return. Your religion or your mother tongue don't matter, you must contribute....I am proud to wear this uniform and to protect the country." "Before all else, I look at my country. An enemy is an enemy and it doesn't matter whether he speaks Arabic like I do." Corporal Mamdouh Dahir, a Bedouin Arab-Muslim, explains: "When I am in the army I don't fight against Muslims, I fight against bad people who do not care about Muslims, innocent children or civilians. The Palestinians are suffering from extremists no less than we are."
2010-11-26 08:47:38
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