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'This is my country, I serve in the IDF,' says Muslim IDF soldier
Nadav Glick
Published: 05.01.19, 00:37
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18 Talkbacks for this article
1. a man ahead of his time
Doron Straus   (01.05.19)
I was humbled by this article. I love Eretz Yisrael and it is young men like Bilal that give me a faint hope for the long term future of Israel. I only hope that his Israeli comrades realize what a gift they have in their ranks.
2. A very pragmatic & intelligent chap
Ben   (01.05.19)
All Israelis want is for the Arabs in Israel to participate in the country and show some sort of loyalty. They don't have to go overboard and kiss the flag, just be loyal like any Israeli.

I'm sure most Israeli Arabs want to be accepted and integrated into society more, so this seems like a good way to do it.

I hope he has a safe and successful time in the army.
3. israel is one tremendous country
rex   (01.05.19)
Israel is one tremendous country. more and more Arabs realize it. they can go far and realize their dreams without bs.

and god forbid if Israel were destroyed, the dreams and careers of many Israeli Arabs would blow up in smoke. so join in and defend this beautiful country of Israel. the majority of arabs must not be drowned out by the criminal rabble rousers.

and Israel should be asserting its claim not yet launched for the ancestral lands of Gad Reuben and Manasseh on the east bank of the Jordan.
4. All I can say is: RESPECT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!& much more:-)
(01.05.19)
5. By no means unique
Tim ,   Brighton   (01.05.19)
You only have to meet young Israeli Arab visitors to the UK..free to voice their opinions, support and advocacy for Israel to realise these are a new Israeli Arab generation, proud and confident as Arab and Israeli, who seek MORE inclusion in Israeli society NOT LESS, who share Israels values of freedom and democracy – warts and all, and are determined to protect the security and well being of all their fellow citizens

As a side issue, often discussions with our Israeli Arab friends are about their discomfort at joining in the Hatikvah but for one line..can it not be altered to as below to include everyone in Israel..?

Comments?

As long as in the heart, within,
A JEWISH soul still yearns
And onward, towards the ends of the east,
an eye still gazes toward Zion;

To

As long as in the heart, within,
OUR souls still yearn,
And onward, towards the ends of the east,
an eye still gazes toward Zion;
6. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE!!!
Iranian Jew ,   LALA LAND   (01.05.19)
We hope that you have many more followers, so you do not have to serve under ISIS, HAM ASS or that other useless entity called PLO.
The new Arab/Israeli generation knows that the second they give in to these people, then they are going to live under the same conditions as countries like Iran, Lebanon, Egypt & etc.
7. He is an Israeli by Nationality, his citizenship legitimate.
Michael ,   California, USA   (01.05.19)
His religion is his private affair, not at all meaningful to his national identity. He serves the Israeli State and is a legitimate Israeli citizen, much better at it than those Haredim who refuse to serve. Non-serving Haredim should be re-educated until they deserve by their nationality of becoming citizens in Israel.
8. SHUKRAN Bilal! You're THE Man! You look very good in uniform
smokeonwater   (01.12.19)
9. love to the IDF soldiers
Adir ,   Jerusalem   (01.13.19)
10. This is my country. I serve in the IDF.
Sjoerd van der Velde ,   Hoorn Holland   (02.03.19)
If he also ends "islam", it would be great and fantastic 100%. And a very good example to many.
11. I JUST WANT TO SAY I LOVE YOU SON. BE SAFE AND THANKS
OLEG ,   FLORIDA   (03.25.19)
12. Kol haKavod!!!
sandi ,   cupertino ca   (08.25.19)
Yasher koach to this soldier!! I wish him much health, happiness and ongoing SAFETY in and after his enlistment. He is a shining example for the young people in his community and I hope he can encourage them to also join the IDF so there will be more interaction and understanding among those who live in primarily Arab communities and the young Jewish soldiers in Israel.
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