"maybe you guys need a big time kick in the a** from Iran until you come to your senses." The fact that you would side with Iran in a war against Israel shows your true colors. Iran, a country that denies the Holocaust, has one of the worst human rights records in history of mankind, develops nuclear weapons in defiance of the entire world and exports terrorism across the globe. Maybe Frank you need to come to your senses. "you sick people thinking you`re better than every body else" This is a typical anti-semite response to every issue. What category of anti-semite do you fall under Frank? Neo-nazi, islamo-facist, apologist for terror of Knee-jerk reaction leftist? "look at your selves. bunch of uneducated, racist buttheads." No Frank. We are educated realists who understand that after 60 years of non-stop threats of genocide, war and terrorism perpetrated against Jews and the State of Israel at the hands of ARABS and MUSLIMS that we cannot simply trust anyone's motivations by their word. They MUST PROVE their true intentions. If that means that we are racists in your eyes than so be it. The unrepentant brutality and cruelty committed by the Arabs and Muslims in the last 60 years gives us the right to be wary of their true intentions. With that said, here is a solution: If he is truly a patriotic, loyal Israeli citizens and wants to serve his country by flying than let him have his wish. But who says that this young man needs to be a fighter pilot. Let him serve in an army unit for three years. Then if he proves his true intentions then let him sign up for a pilot training course. After that, he can fly planes that move supplies. This is a job that any true LOYAL and PATRIOTIC Israeli would be proud to do.

It seems to be like Orwell's "The Animal Farm": everyone is equal to the other, but ones are more eaqual than otheres... Israel have muslims and christians as officials at the army, isn't it true? Why not at the Air Force or Navy? All of them are israelis and loyals to the country! Jews have the obligation to defend the jewish state, but no jewish, must have the right, at least.

For a change, I'm glad I do not live in Israel. This is a tough decision. This reminds me of US History and the integration of the US Military. I say let him in. Let him pursue becomeing an Israeli pilot. Yes, keep his activites under a microscope, but let him try. If Israel stays divided among Israelis, regardless of religious beliefs, it will then be living the lie Israel is accused of. Furthermore, if Israel alienates its Arab citizens, it automatically adds them to its enemies. It is entirely possible, that like many of the Tuskagee Airmen, this young man man go on to become an exceptional pilot and serve Israel proudly.

When Saddam Hussein sent missiles toward Israel he didn't care if Israeli Arabs died. If Iran develops a nuclear weapon, they won't care that Israeli Arabs die along with the Jews. If this young man is deemed qualified by the IDF, let him defend all of us.

Thumbs up!

His loyalty to the state is the man issue here, it must be tried and true, (this might be a step in the right direction or it might not. ) And here is the question for the other readers here. How many of you have served in the military? and how many of those that have served served or are serving memebers of the IDF?? I Served so don't bust my chops.

In theory, this lad has to be given a chance to break this barrier. Just like Japanese Americans who were given a chance to fight in the US army during WW2 (under extremely difficult circumstances), Israeli Arabs should be given the chance to perform their duties as any other Israeli citizen. Although a highly po0lemic question, Israel should give serious thought to this matter - especially if this young man has the right qualifications to be a good fighter pilot.

You should change your email address to Palestine.full.of.hate.com You are no different than the child-killing terrorists who only live to hate and kill. Blame yourselves for your misfortune. See if Suha Arafat will share some of your own money she is spending gleefully in Paris. Good Bye. May this Arab Pilot show other fairminded Arabs that personal merit and achievement should be rewarded regardless of race - not hate like in the remaining Palestinian territories. Most Palestinian Arabs suffer because of people like you who only love to hate. what a dumb email adress anyway palestine.my.hate.com

why not [men dehnuo kalliluo ]

just in case.

This fellow sounds like an exceptional young man, and I wish him well. But this is a sensitive issue, and as Israel wrestles with it, people should hold off throwing the "racist" label around, as they should hold off on the politically correct "sure, why not". Contrary to #32, who argues that "All of them are israelis and loyals to the country! ", the fact that only 20 Israeli Arabs volunteer for Army service, and the fact that so many Israeli Arabs continue voting for haters of Israel like Bishara, suggests otherwise. But while there are a few brave Arabs and Muslims out there who challenge the orthodox hatred of Israel (c.f. http://arabsforisrael.com ), his own loyalty isn't the sole issue. Is he ready for the wave of peer pressure over his fighting for the Zionist Entity against his "brothers"? Is he ready for the threats against his family unless he sells out his unit or the country he serves? Is his father ready? Personally, I've long called for universal National Service in Israel for all Israelis of draft age who choose not to serve in the Armed Forces. But we're not there yet. So this issue will need to be dealt with carefully and with sentitivity.

Arab citizens of Israel have served in the IDF and have been killed in the line of duty. Let him fly. He can deliver the payload to Iran.

THIS IS WHAT A TRUE DEMOCRACY IS ALL ABOUT, EQUAL RIGHTS AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR EVERY CITIZEN....NO MATTER WHAT THEIR RELIGION, COLOUR, RACE OR SEXUAL PREFERANCE IS...... I SALUTE THIS YOUNG MAN AND HOPE HIS DREAM WILL COME TRUE....

let him join Al Quedas airforce they need a few men who are under 70

Members of Israel's Druze and Bedouin communities are in IDF and Border police,some being top Commanders I also seem to remember reading that there is a Druze pilot in IAF. If this 18 yr old Israeli Arab passes ShinBet security clearance,he should have the chance to attend pilot training course.With so many applying he would have the expertise to get in.

Your response was excellent. It's not a matter of racism because both Druse and Bedouins serve in the IDF. But there has always been a dilemma in Israel for having Arabs serve in the military and finding themselves in a situation where they had to fight other Arabs. And as much as we would hope their first loyalty would be to Israel, we've already seen that there are Members of Parliament who have no loyalty to Israel whatsoever. I hope this young man is sincere and if so, I would like to see him fulfill his dream, but the accusations of racism are just so much nonsense.

If this young man is sincerely Israeli then by all means allow him but if this is a ruse to learn all he can from the Israeli and then turn around and defect. I'm scared. Burt I am also scared for him if he is sincere. His life and all of his family would be in danger from other Arabs who were not as patriotic. It would appear that Israel is between the devil and a hard place. on this dilhema.

1. There are no ethnic restrictions of flying small planes in Israel, if an Israeli Arab or Jew wanted to fly a crop-duster or commuter jet into a building, they could have done so already. 2. No Israeli Arab would be crazy enough to join the IAF and then attack an Israeli site. It would cause massive retaliation against Israeli Arabs. 3. There are over a million Israeli Arabs-Muslim & Christian. Most are fully involved in Israeli life-bus drivers, store clerks, gardeners, etc. There have been a few attacks on Jews, but clearly not enough for a security-conscious society to really mention it. Only a few members far-right call for a seperation in the work place and this largely out of the desire for 'Avodah Ivri.' I hope this guy suceeds and would be proud to have join my friends in the IDF. Tovim LaTayas!

Great way to infiltrate. Very smart indeed. Learn the coordinates of Sharon's residence

I'd like to see loyal Arabs serve in the IDF. Traitors should be deported. Why shouldnt Arabs serve in the IDF? It should be an obligation of all Israeli citizens. I understand the fear, but its time to weed out the loyal Arabs from the traitors. Fully integrate the loyal Israeli arabs and deport the traitors to Palestine/Jordan. Israel isnt a racist country like its neighboring Arab countries or Europe.

pros: -increases available pool of pilots -positive image for Israel -positive model for Israeli Moslems -in long term will instill patriotism in Israeli Moslems cons: -militarily not necessary/marginal benefit -security risk -personal risk to him and his family On balance (by a slim margin) I say let him in.

How shocking to see the racism coming from so many posters, judging this young man on his ethnic identity alone. OK, you guys are scared, but think it through. He absolutely should be given the chance to prove himself. Let's face it, how many brave Bedouin-Muslim, and Druze soldiers have served the State of Israel better than have some Jews? How many Muslims have worked secretly with Israel to help the nation target terrorist leaders, which they know puts their own lives in jeopardy? Again, I say, think this through. Israel needs the best soldiers, period. Everyone should be judged upon his/her personal merits, not ethnicity. Israel's fears are well founded, but that means stringent screening, not institutionalized bias. An Arab youth wants to show love and loyalty to the State of Israel and you want to spit on him? What's the matter with you?Israel's purpose is to be the Jewish homeland under sovereignty of the Jewish people, but, never, in the history of the world, not during the reign of kings, priests, or prophets, has Israel, Judea, or Samaria been singularly, "purely" Jewish. There have always been various peoples living amongst us, working with us loyally. There is no reason why the Jewish homeland cannot have enfranchised minorities who serve the country proudly. Give the guy a chance.

Good for him! Send him to cours teis!

I don't see what is so special about this kid.Granted, he has high grades and recieved a recommendation, but so do a lot of other people. And beside that, good grades are just part of the requirement. There is a lot more to becoming a pilot. Anyhow, whether this kid has potential or not, it is my beliefe that this kid in no way should be allowed into the air force. He is not of the Druze, a people whom loyality is not in question -- he is of the palestinians. This will be a dangerous game if he is allowed into the air force.

After I wrote my message I discussed the situation with my husband who had been a member of the Israeli Air force way back under Eser Weisman. He did not hesitate no no no he said. Israel cannot affford to gamble whether this kid is loyal to Israel or to his people. I have to agree. It would be nice to be completely equal treatment but as long as the Palestinian people are at war with Israel. It would not be prudent or smart to take the chance.

9/11 wasn't done by airforce pilots you morons, its not like the terrorists signed up in the Army. Anyways All the al qaeda attacks are staged by forces that want you to have this anti islamic thinking.. you think thats impossible?? not even far-fetched, bitches; not like this never almost happened before: http://www.ratical.org/ratville/CAH/Northwoods.html if it wasn't for kennedy's refusal, that shit wouldve happened, and we know that bush isn't the same man that kennedy was, peace.

That's all very well to say, but when you place a weapon of such devastating ability into the hands of someone whom could potentially be a lethal threat to the country's existence then IMO you need to err on the side of caution and not let him have this chance. I applaude this young man for the stance he is taking, however life is not fair and he needs to learn it sooner rather than later. He was born a Muslim Arab and like it or not these people have vowed to kill us whatever the cost till the end of time. My fear is not that he refuses to carry out his orders to bomb a target in Lebanon or Gaza, but that he will bomb his own targets in Israel... Dimona, Dizengoff Sq, Hakotel (G-D Forbid).