Arab-Israeli Enlistment in IDF Continues to Grow

[TomSea]

Arab-Israeli Enlistment in IDF Continues to Grow

by TheTower.org Staff | 03.02.17 4:10 pm

A growing number of Muslim Arab-Israelis are enlisting in the Israel Defense Forces despite the disapproval of their communities, NBC reported Sunday.

“There is more openness among Arab Muslims that are not Bedouins to volunteer and join the army,” said Col. Wagdi Sarhan, the head of the IDF’s minorities unit. “We’re talking about recruitment of dozens of Arab Muslim youth and we are hopeful that the numbers will grow.”

There were fewer (than) ten Arab Muslims serving in the Israeli army a few years ago, according to Sarhan, but now the number is in the dozens.

“This is my country and it’s my duty to protect its borders,” explained Sgt. Yossef Saluta, one of the growing number of Muslim Arabs serving. He added that his family was supportive, but that when he told his friends, they initially gave him “a strange look….But after I told them about my experiences in the army they were convinced to also join.”

Continued: http://www.thetower.org/4663-arab-israeli-enlistment-in-idf-continues-to-grow/