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Photo: Efi Shrir
Cancer stricken soldier petitions against early dismissal
Nineteen-year-old soldier diagnosed with Hodgkin's disease says her dismissal from IDF service unjust, demands to be reinstated
L., a 19-year-old soldier with the Israeli Defense Forces, filed a High Court petition against the military Tuesday claiming she was unduly dismissed from service due to her medical condition.
L. enlisted in 2008 and after six months began officers' training. Unfortunately, two days before completing the course she was diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma, also known as Hodgkin's disease. The IDF immediately classified her as unable to perform a military service and released her.
The petition, filed against the military, IDF Chief of Staff Lieutenant-General Gabi Ashkenazi and Defense Minister Ehud Barak, states that L. demands the army reinstate her to desk duty, so she may continue her service throughout her chemotherapy – a move towards resuming the course of her service once her treatment is over.
Attorney Avi Bar-Am, for L., told Ynet her chances of recovery are over 90% and that her course of chemotherapy was set for once a week fro a period of four to six months. Military protocol states L. would have to be cancer-free for five years before she can resume her service.
The petition also included briefs complied by two hematologists – Hodgkin's specialists – both of whom advocate keeping L's routine as normal as possible in order to prevent inflicting any emotional anguish.
The petition also brings other examples of IDF officers and officers in training who were diagnosed with Hodgkin's, but were not required to cease their military service.
L., stated in the petition that she sees no reason why she cannot continue her service, citing the IDF's decision was unreasonable considering her prognosis.
She further claims that her early dismissal may have negative effects on her future, since it may impede her future ability to support herself. She believes, said the petition, that she can continue her military service and contribute to her country.
