It's a code word for Israel's existence.

The Torah says that if "Stangers" wish to dwell in the land, they are to be welcomed as long as they do not live against Torah, They are not to be treated badly for "we were strangers in Eygypt". These folks want to do what is right and help by volunteering for the IDF. Baruch HaShem! May their brothers be similarly moved, then we shall have peace, and dwell together in peace. ( yes it does not hurt to dream!)

there ARE arabs that are proud of this country and will sacrifice everything for israel. and they do it despite the prejudice they receive. just because you don't hear about arabs that love this country doesn't mean that they aren't there. just go and see for yourself.

Reading of this unit is wonderful news, in a time when people want to stop serving these citizens are volunteering. All the power to them. My hats off to you all

I'm very proud of these people, I like to join a the unit for Nazareth.

These patriotic Israelis ought to be representing their brethren in the Knesset as MKs.

Another point that was not mentioned in this article is that even though these muslims serve their country, they are still considered 2nd class citizens and discriminated against in every walk of life. Do you think this is a true democracy?

I'm glad to see that finally ynet choose to publish something positie about Israeli Arabs and not just the over hyped inflamatory report

Up till now this country has always treated it's enemies better than it's allies. Let us treat them very well.

Don't forget that for everyone of these arabs you got a million arabs that want to destroy you, and for everyone of these you got thousands that want to became suicide bombers. Just make sure you don't get in to one of these units from the overwhelmiong haters of Israel an imposter that we will regret for ever creating this unit.

Adam, you are so right. It isnt a widely known fact that Arabs did fight for Israeli independance in 1948. RAMI, I am truely sorry if Israli Arabs have less privileges thatn Iraeli Jews. it isnt fair. However, the elected MKs representing Israeli Arabs have been a bit of a disgrace. Never the less, Rami, bless you. People like you are the true future in the belief that Jews and Arabs casn live in peace. I am very happy you contributed to this talkback.

Let us not forget that the residents of Abu-Gosh expressed their desire to stick with Jews and become part of the State of Israel even before the Declaration of Independence. They helped the Jewish resistance against the British, and they are not second class citizens. There are lots of ongoing projects, such as football teams, medical services, musical festivals, etc. where residents of Abu-Gosh, Mevasseret and Jerusalem join forces. To say nothing of the restaurants and shops in Abu-Gosh, where Jewish residents of the surrounding areas spend much of their Shabbat and holidays. Hats off to you, dear friends in Abu-Gosh! Dear Brothers!

You can volunteer if you want, mate. I know a fair number of Arab, Circassians and Bedouin volunteers from your area (mostly Muslims from the villages, though).

When talking about Israeli Arabs, there is only 1.2 million of them. None of them want to destroy you and none of them want to be a suicide bomber. Don't let your hatred blind you.

Not Bashara Syria visits. If Arabs feel part of the state they should contribute and will get 1000 times more in return. Way to go. Kol Ha Kavod to this Arabs. I am proud of you!

These soldiers are dedicated, I will not smear on these couragous volenteers. 2nd class citizens as you say, well I have trouble agreeing with you because I do not consider Arabs 2nd class. I think caution is used because of reflection on past actions of Israels' neighbors. The Arabs can not wash blood off their hands so easy, and the same is there for the families of innocent civilians who are harmed in IDF incursions. Arafat did alot to destroy the image of Jews in the minds of children who are now of age to fight and raise arms which are plentiful. Armed to the teeth and resentful, filled with hate incited by the schools, caution MUST be used. It's not about 2nd class citizens, it's about Jews not wanting to get blown up.

We are talking about Israeli-Arabs and NOT Palestinians. Like I mentioned before, Israeli Arabs are law abiding and loyal citizens to the state of Israel. Arafat does not represent us and our education system is the Israeli one where we learn about Zionism, the holocaust and how nice the Jews are.

Israel is not a welfare State just for Arabs. Israeli Arabs live better, w/ a higher quality of life, freedoms & income, than anywhere else in the Arab world. Why shouldn't they be expected to contribute to the defense of theIsraeli State as any other citizen who garner similar State benefits. Arab pride should demand that they give back to the State, too.

If what you say is true, please explain to us why you are voting arabs into the knesset that represent Hezbollah and Syria? mmmmm?

Wish this unit well over Ramadan. Take a few to think folks. these guys are taking a risk, not just in the job but in the community. Sadly we tend to judge them all from the fanatics and pro palestinians that live among us. Not all want a palestine, they are happy with the free democracy they have in Israel, they are not 2nd class citizens and get the same as the jews. they all have their own town council and make their own decissions. Many moslems serve in the IDF and the crucial jobs..the bedouin are mainly scouts (very dangerous) and moslem and christian arabsserve in the police. We can work side by side and not blame them all for the bad the others do. Lets remember many of them have suffered from the fanatics, and 9/11...many moslem rescuers died, trying to help their fellow men, not thinking of faith. I am not a fanantic left,y or right, I am a human being,all I am against is the stupid killing and those that hate us having this little bit of land, and our coexistance. Rami if it works out...and i need it you can rescue me anytime mate! In a tough situation...would any of the "anti's" who post here care who it was?

If we would ever want to make peace with the Arabs, and actually see it fulfilled, we would make peace with these Arabs only! if they are true to their word and are willing to beleive in israel, ony then can there be peace with them. Otherwise, get your asses out of our country, slimeballs!

For your info, many arabs vote for jewish parties like labor and meretz, so these parties are our representative and as you know thsy are not supporting syria. TArab MK you mentioned do not represent me, but also many of the ppl that voted for them are not happy with what they are doing and will not vote for them next time

It's the same problem as anywhere else with Arabs/Muslims. Namely, the psychotic Jihadis and their supporters are much, much more vocal and visible than the sane anti-Jihadis. Many of the Arab MKs claim that they are the leaders and representatives of Israeli Arabs. They are also the same people who claim that there are no Israeli Arabs, only Palestinians. They are also openly against the state of Israel and strive to destroy it. Where are the Israeli Arab voices rejecting these claims? Where are the "real" Israeli Arab leaders who openly say "Bugger you, Taha. We are Israelis first and firmost. This is our state and we love it!"? The Bedouins, Druze and Circassians have no need to do so - we serve together in the army, we bleed and die together for our country. And about being 2nd class citizen - oh, do come on. Citizens of Carmiel can claim the same, and citizens of Or Yehuda, and citizens of Lod, and Jewish repatriates from Russia, Ethiopia, Morocco or wherever. So can I, when the Arab government clerks in Afula discriminate against me because I'm Jewish. Or, hey, how about the Jews in general - not only are laws more stringently enforced on Jews, we also serve in the army - and it's not exactly fun and games. In a democracy, EVERYONE is discriminated against in some way or another. It is wrong - but it's less wrong than any other system :)

Look at the US, African Americans served proudly in the uniform of the United States military for years. Before the abolition of slavery, during the decades of segregation. From the Mass 54th Regiment in the Civil War, to the 'Buffalo Soldiers' of the Calvery, to the Tuskegee Airmen, right up through former US Sec. of State Colin Powell. Changing people's mentalities takes time and effort. But it doesn't mean that the struggle to reach compatability with one's neighbors is futile or should be abandoned.

they do not abide Koran: "do not take jews and Christians for Friends, they are Friends of each other"

5:51] O you who believe, do not take Jews and Christians as friends; these are friends of one another. Those among you who ally themselves with these belong with them. This is actually not a good translation of the original, which has a very specific context. In the Arabia of Muhammad's time, it was possible for an individual to become an honorary member or "client" of a powerful tribe. But of course, if you did that you would be subordinating yourself politically to that tribe. The word used in Arabic here does not mean "friend." It means "political patron" (wali). What the Quran is trying to do is to discourage stray Muslims from subordinating themselves to Christian or Jewish tribes that might in turn ally with pagan Mecca, or in any case might have interests at odds with those of the general Muslim community. So the verse actually says: [5:51] O you who believe, do not take Jews and Christians as tribal patrons; these are tribal patrons of one another. Those among you who become clients of these belong with them. There is a famous Hadith . Being sincere to urs motherland is the half faith of a muslim. Muslims around the world are not control by Arabs or inferior to Arabs , Supportting Laden or any other Muslim who kill innocents,females, childrens, old and unarmed is against Islam and teachings of Prophet . Dont bring Islam or Quran for urs dirty thinkings and dont defame Islam and muslims by saying like this. Every one have to give account after his/her death and no one have the right to say against any religion according to Islam... Quran do say abt jews and Christians many times. Let them live in peace and u be in peace..

Abu Ghosh Arabs have a history of helping and being good citizens regardless of politics. In 1989, when a terrorist overturned an Egged bus on Tel-Aviv - Jerusalem road by the cliffside, the first people to get there and help save Jewish passengers were Arabs from Abu Ghosh.