Women in the IDF
American-Israeli photographer Rachel Papo's photo essay of Israeli women during their mandatory two-year military service is terrific.
These pictures are really beautiful. Thanks for sharing!
Posted by: Elyssa on April 19, 2006 11:35 AM | permalinkA bunch of heavily armed young females... We have that here in the US, but it's called high school.
But anyway, this is a good reminder that we are fortunate enough to live in a country with neighbors that don't pose a threat of war against us.
Does everybody really serve, or do the kids of Knesset members worm their way out (or get into an equivalent of the Texas Air National Guard)?
Also, do they let American Jews join if they want, or do you have to be a citizen?
Posted by: Od-ll on April 19, 2006 1:17 PM | permalinkBasically, everyone serves except for the ultra-Orthodox, which -- as you'd imagine -- creates resentment. I have a very religious cousin who does volunteer work instead; however, her brothers are definitely going to serve. That said, young women's service is shorter and less dangerous than men's.
I would say you do have to be a citizen, but I vaguely recall some story about how the children of "guest workers" (e.g. Ghanaians, Filipinos) wanted to serve alongside their classmates.
And there is no way politicians' kids weasel out. If they did, it would be an enormous scandal.
Posted by: Joe Grossberg on April 19, 2006 2:33 PM | permalinkI always think twice before clicking though to pictures of women from you weblog ;), but these are brilliant. Thanks!
Posted by: Alan Green on April 19, 2006 7:53 PM | permalinkLOL ... yeah that's why I err on the side of using "XXX".
Posted by: Joe Grossberg on April 20, 2006 8:38 AM | permalinkNo more comments! Either someone has violated Godwin's Law, I'm tired of the discussion or, most likely, the ten-week window has closed. You can, however, contact me through email.