Dor Yatziv
צילום: מיכאל שרמן
Dor refuses to refuse
Dor Yatziv battled leukemia as a child but since then is completely healthy and even became a professional tennis player. The army refuses to let him serve as a combat soldier because of his past but Dor refuses to give up
At a time when the army is fighting a growing trend of youths shirking their military service, and the minister of defense warns that the IDF has become "an army of half the people" – there are also those swimming against the tide.
When he was only five years old Dor Yatziv from Holon was diagnosed with leukemia. Luckily the disease was still in its early stages and after two long years of intensive treatment he went into remission.
"The goal was to reach this day – and that's a goal we met," said Dor, now 18 years old.
This day is two days before Dor must report to the IDF recruitment center to enlist, but the dream is not complete. Because of his history, Dor's medical profile was set at 64 (out of a possible 97) – a ranking that will not make it possible for him to serve in a combat unit.
During the difficult years of his illness Dor took up tennis, first as a hobby and later turning professional. "I was ranked nationally among the top players in my age group, I followed the story of Lance Armstrong closely, I thought our lives were similar," said Dor.
When he reported to his first encounter with the military while still in high school, Dor said he was surprised to learn from the army doctor that the IDF ranked anyone who had undergone chemotherapy as an automatic 64.
"The army says that if at some point in your life you've had chemo, there are lifelong cardiovascular repercussions and therefore they can't afford the risk.
"I understand the army and don't have any complaints, but I believe that my case, which is complex and exceptional, should be reviewed individually and not generalized," said Dor.
Dor filed for an 'irregular request' and submitted medical documents testifying to his health. His request was rejected and then rejected again, after Dor's parents also petitioned on his behalf.
Last week Dor and his parents traveled to the home of IDF Human Resources Chief Maj-Gen. Elazar Stern and placed a letter in his mailbox.
"That was our last hope. We spoke to his office and they told us that the request was transferred to the medical corps," said Dor, who hopes the matter will be resolved before he is drafted the day after tomorrow.
"I can't think of anything other than combat service. I'm even willing to give up my career in tennis; I didn't file a request to continue as an active athlete. On the news they keep talking about dodging the IDF draft and here I am begging to serve as a combat soldier – and they won't let me."
The IDF said in response: "The medical corps highly values candidates for service wishing to serve in meaningful positions – provided that their health is not at risk.
"The candidate's medical profile was determined after a consultation with experts, who also said they believed that the soldier should not serve in a combat unit. However, due to his morally principled desire to serve as a combat soldier, his request will be resubmitted to the chief medical officer."
