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Photo: Gil Nechoshtan
Arab teen – Air Force said 'no'
Photo: Gil Nechoshtan

Arab pilot to join Armored Corps

Muslim teenager who sought to become first Arab pilot will have to settle for a tank instead

He wanted to become the first Israeli-Arab pilot in the IDF, but will have to settle for a tank instead.

 

The 18-years-old Arab-Israeli, who cannot be named, made headlines after petitioning the army to allow him to join the prestigious pilot training course, but his request was denied.

 

Next Sunday he will join the Armored Corps instead, Israel's leading newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth reported on Tuesday.

 

The unusual request submitted by the teenager, who possesses a civilian pilot license, was first reported by Yedioth Ahronoth three months ago. Despite his qualifications and the recommendation letters he presented, army officials decided to stick to existing policy and refrained from summoning the Arab teen to the Air Force's qualification and placement examination

 

The teen was instead summoned to volunteer to the paratrooper' brigade. Later it was decided he should join one of the army's combat units, prompting the teen to join the Armored Corps. His decision to join the IDF is just as uncommon as his choice to serve in the armored Corps. The number of Muslim Arabs who join the army stands at a few dozens a year; most of the minorities who enlist join the IDF's infantry units.

 

"I didn't shelve my dream to become a fighter pilot", the teen explained. "I'll wait until the Air Force opens its doors to Israeli-Arabs as well. Meanwhile, I'd like to puruse a military career in the Armored Corps," he said.

 

Hassan, the teenager's father is very proud of his son and his determination to join the army.

 

"I'm hoping that IDF officials will appreciate and encourage citizens like my son and allow them to be integrated into the Air Force in the future, an important step for the country and its Arab citizens", he said.

 


פרסום ראשון: 03.21.06, 11:31
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