As we stand united, mourning our fallen, and supporting our soldiers in the war, a religious, Zionist organization "Bocharim B'mishpacha" (Choosing Family) drew criticism, after posting that the campaign to deploy female soldiers in the IDF is "destructive and a part of the agenda that has brought the military to its current troubled state."
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I couldn't help but think of three names: Captain Or Moses, Lieutenant Eder Ben-Simon, and Sergeant Eden Alon Levy, who died in combat. Remember these names well. All three served at the Zikim base, that trains the Home Front command soldiers. They, along with other commanders and soldiers, heroically protected over 90 recruits in a life-or-death struggle under rocket fire, directing them to seek refuge in safe spaces.
They then emerged with remarkable courage and unwavering composure to thwart the surprise terror attack by Hamas. They confronted the daunting threat head-on, fearlessly taking on the tempest. They engaged in fierce combat with well-armed adversaries, all while rescuing their injured comrades and seamlessly substituting them in the line of duty. Their impressive combat skills, camaraderie, and dedication shielded their fellow soldiers and surviving civilians, ensuring their safe return at the end of the battle, thanks to these extraordinary women.
Captain Or MosesPhoto: IDF Spokesperson's UnitZikim Base wasn't conquered or overrun, but the cost was truly harrowing. These remarkable women, alongside other commanders, made the ultimate sacrifice in the battle. If the terrorists hadn't been stopped by their heroic actions, not only would they have perpetrated a horrendous massacre at the base, but they might have also advanced northward towards Ashkelon. They are the embodiment of courage, a testament to indomitable spirit, readiness for action, leadership at the highest levels, and exceptional valor. This is just one of countless stories that underscore the bravery of our female soldiers and commanders in times of war.
Lieutenant Eder Ben-SimonPhoto: IDF Spokesperson's UnitWe have known the heaviness of blood-soaked wars. We've seen our young ones smiling in photos, the beloved soldiers who are etched into our hearts. Every image pierces the heart with pain. The bitter loss is searing. On the upcoming Memorial Day, military cemeteries will appear different. So many new, fresh graves, each one a unique sight. In their silent repose, they cry out with the shattered voices of grief and mourning. But this time, it's a reality that, in a disproportionate manner to wars of the past, is filled with the faces of young women, soldiers, and commanders. Young women who fell in battle while fulfilling a wide range of duties with dedication, professionalism, and unwavering determination. We all owe them an enormous debt – and some of us must go to their gravesites, to the families they left behind, and ask for forgiveness.
Sergeant Eden Alon LevyFought like lionesses
A few years ago, Rabbi Yigal Levinstein, who heads the "Bnei David" pre-military academy and is a rabbi in the "Chotam" organization, stirred up a public outcry with his outspoken and controversial remarks against women enlisting in the IDF, particularly focusing on their religious identity. Among other things, Rabbi Levinstein stated, "They've driven us mad. They're drafting our women into the army. They enter the service Jewish, and they come out not quite Jewish."
Rabbi Levinstein also belittled the IDF and its female soldiers, suggesting, "They lowered the bar for women. They coordinate it with Hamas." He also criticized supporters of integrated service, mockingly saying, "If the uniform is too heavy, don't carry ammunition, carry candy so if you see a terrorist, you can throw sweets at them."
The "Chotam" organization added the derogatory rhetoric in a satirical video, implying that women's contribution to the IDF amounts to paper-pushing and enduring harassment from their superiors.
How can Rabbi Levinstein, leaders of "Chotam," "Bocharim Mishpach," and all those who degrade and belittle women's service in the IDF, not look at the bravery and mutual support exemplified by the heroines of Zikim Base? Who fought courageously to the last bullet in the armory, to protect all of us – including Rabbi Levinstein, the "Chotam" rabbis, and the supporters of "Bocharim Mishpach"? If they have an ounce of self-respect left, if the honor of the Torah and Judaism is for them, of paramount concern, and if they genuinely desire to sanctify the Name, then it is their duty to visit the graves of these heroines, pay their respects, and seek forgiveness. They must console the bereaved families, bow their heads, and apologize.
It is entirely permissible for Rabbi Levinstein and those who share his perspective to believe that national service is the appropriate framework for young women seeking to contribute to the country. It is completely legitimate for them to guide and encourage their daughters along this respected and vital path.
But why belittle, scorn, and mock those who choose to serve in the IDF? Why undermine those who make a different choice with a sincere desire to contribute and make a difference? Why cast doubt on their military and leadership capabilities, and the opportunity the IDF provides for them to express their skills and motivation? Why not honor their remarkable contribution to the IDF, for which they paid such a heavy price?
Perhaps the disdain, arrogance, condescension, and hubris toward the external enemy that, to a large extent, led us to the recent tragedy, are also a result of a similar attitude toward our internal "foes." Our fellow countrymen – even if they are members of our own camp. If we can manage our internal disputes differently, we will also know how to better defend ourselves against the external foe.