Tami Molad-Hayou
'I'm not so proud anymore'
Photo: AP
Moral high ground secret to IDF strength
Israelis are willing to put their – and their children's – lives on line because they know country will do anything it can to rescue them if needed
For three weeks an IDF soldier has been held captive, two more for the past day. Three soldiers held prisoner by a brutal enemy, and the IDF is flexing its muscles, with tanks and artillery and infantry, because that's what an army does – especially an army with no political direction.
It is clear that the current fighting won't bring our boys home. Our soldiers are held captive and the army is on the attack, our politicians are issuing hair-raising threats and calling up the reserves. And we, the people who sit at home to be defended by the IDF, are shocked at the reasons and the timing for this latest war.
Three weeks of intense military activity in Gaza, three weeks of threats and "holding them responsible," three weeks without real negotiation for the life of Gilad Shalit. How can parents send their children to serve in the army when it is clear that the government that gives the army its orders does not view the lives of those sons as its highest priority?
Moral strength
The IDF's strength does not stem from advanced technology. It does not even stem from particularly cunning battle tactics. The strength of the Israeli army has always stemmed from its moral and ethical advantage: For us, human life and the lives of our soldiers are primary. This is our moral strength; this is the judgment day weapon that will always give us victory over any enemy that rises against us.
When we leave wounded soldiers on the battlefield, when we refuse to negotiate to get back kidnapped soldiers, we strike a blow at the IDF's ability to defend and to fight. We strike a blow at the reason this country was established – more than just physical survival, but to be a national home for a nation that suffered for and survived because of its humanity, its empathy and credibility.
We strike a blow at the Talmudic saying, "A person who saves one Jewish life is considered to have saved an entire world."
People's army
The clear knowledge of all Israelis that the state will go wherever it needs to in order to save them or help out in times of distress is the real source of our strength, and the source of our superiority as a nation and a country. The certainty that this army, comprised of the children we send with a trembling heart to defend our houses, will protect them and leave no stone unturned in order to bring them home alive and well. This is the secret of our power.
The reciprocal relationship between the army and the people in Israel is unique. It cannot be compared any other situation in the world: We have an army comprised entirely of civilians, from every walk of life and every social group. For many families, their children currently in uniform are third generation IDF soldiers.
We all serve proudly in the army, while praying continuously for the day when the army will no longer be needed. The army to which we give our best to perform meaningful service, and we are willing to put ourselves and our children in situations that could endanger their lives, while at the same time demonstrating and working against some of its activities.
Not so proud anymore
After three weeks that a soldier has been held in captivity and our government refuses to negotiate, I'm not so proud anymore. After a day in which two more soldiers were kidnapped and the only response we can think of is to call up the reserves, return to Lebanon and threaten all-out war against our neighbors – I am not so sure that my country is being faithful to us, the people.
Prime Minister Olmert and Defense Minister Peretz want to punish the Lebanese government, the president of Syria, Iran and the Palestinians, and they are absolutely right. But let them do it after our kidnapped soldiers are home. Because every hour that passes without negotiations, the staying power of Israel's citizenry dwindles, as does their belief that this country was created to serve the people and is willing to pay a heavy price for their well-being.
We can re-arrest prisoners freed in exchange for soldiers if need be. But the feeling of commitment, of faith and of moral justice amongst our population won't be so easy to restore.
