IDF releases 1948 report on Women's Brigade

Marking International Women's Day, IDF archives uncover survey taken in 1948, measuring social, mental, vocational conditions of Women's Brigade servicewomen; most women expressed content, pride with service, but some leveled criticism

Yoav Zitun|Published: 03.09.13 , 00:26

The Defense Ministry released Thursday data from the IDF archives pertaining to the conditions of women soldiers in 1948, a mere four months after the establishment of the State of Israel.

A survey reviewing some 255 women soldiers serving in the IDF Women's Brigade was obtained by Ynet, allowing a historic look into the state of women in the army in the newly established state.

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According to the survey, 93% of IDF's first servicewomen were proud to serve in the IDF and 73% said they were pleased with their commanders.

When asked "Do you feel that the Women's Brigade allows you to serve your country?" 69% answered 'yes,' while 24% answered 'perhaps' and 7% said 'no.'

"Morale in the Women's Brigade and the extent of its contribution to national security depends on the mental factors of each and every soldier in the brigade," it was stated in the survey.

Despite a general atmosphere of content with service, some of the women surveyed leveled some criticism of the Israeli defense forces.

Most of the servicewomen (58%) noted they would want a different position than they were filling, and 50% said that bases were lacking in basic facilities, specifically noting the displeasing conditions in the Stone Camp in Jerusalem and the base near the Ziv Medical Center in Safed.

Some of the women agreed that the IDF should do more in regards to the social aspects of the service, such as ensure that "women of different backgrounds meet more often," as one woman said, adding that the soldiers needed "clubs and culture centers in the camp."