Final Conclusion
We concluded that the I.D.F does influences people’s life enormously. What we observed is that the experiences lived during the service make people think their values in a manner they haven’t done before and that might cause them to radicalize their point of view of what they believed previously.
The investigation, in the other hand, couldn’t prove that the army changes the political point of view to the left or to the right, but it might occur. To precisely state that further and deeper researches are needed.
We suggest that this research be continued, and the next steps are the collect of more data, in both open and close researches with different questions, focusing on the other influences the I.D.F may have produced in people’s life other than political. The open researches should be made with people that are known to have changed their political views, because this can generate new directions in how, if it does happen, the I.D.F influences people’s life.
12/08/2009
Conclusion of the closed interviews
Conclusions of the closed interview
From the data and the graph shown in the previous slide we see that the IDF, on the majority of the interviewed people’s point of view, don’t really change the political view of the people but do change their lives and their personal development.
From this statement we might suppose that all the influence that the IDF does is not necessarily political, all it does is like any other strong experience could do. But in some indirect way, the IDF might influence the people politically, this is seen from the people that do think that the IDF influence politically and from what was told on the “Political View” slides.
We also can say that the IDF change the life and view of the people, but not specifically to a determined point. How stated before the IDF tend to make the people more extremist, it doesn’t make the people right sided or left sided.
From the data and the graph shown in the previous slide we see that the IDF, on the majority of the interviewed people’s point of view, don’t really change the political view of the people but do change their lives and their personal development.
From this statement we might suppose that all the influence that the IDF does is not necessarily political, all it does is like any other strong experience could do. But in some indirect way, the IDF might influence the people politically, this is seen from the people that do think that the IDF influence politically and from what was told on the “Political View” slides.
We also can say that the IDF change the life and view of the people, but not specifically to a determined point. How stated before the IDF tend to make the people more extremist, it doesn’t make the people right sided or left sided.
Tzanhanim
Tzanhanim/ Paratoopers- The Paratroopers Brigade (Hebrew: חֲטִיבַת הַצַּנְחָנִים, Hativat HaTzanhanim), also known as the 35th Brigade, is a unit of paratroopers within the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), and forms a major part of the Infantry Corps. It has a history of carrying out special forces-style missions dating back to the 1950s. It is currently involved primarily in counter terror operations within the West Bank.
Serving in the brigade is voluntary and requires passing different arduous physical and mental tests. The IDF has three reservist Paratrooper brigades at any given time, consisting of personnel who served their mandatory service in the brigade, and whom are mostly in their twenties (aside from officers). These are most likely the most highly-trained reservist brigades in the IDF.
Kfir
Kfir - The Kfir Brigade (Hebrew: חֲטִיבַת כְּפִיר), formerly known as the 900th Brigade, is one of the most recent Infantry Corps brigade in the Israel Defense Forces. It is subordinate to the 162nd Division (Utzvat HaPlada) in the Central regional command.
Golani
Golani- The Golani Brigade (Hebrew: חֲטִיבַת גּוֹלָנִי, also known as the 1st Brigade) is an Israeli infantry brigade which was formed on February 22, 1948 when the Levanoni Brigade in the Galilee split into the 1st Golani Brigade and the 2nd Carmeli Brigade. It is subordinated to the 36th Division and is one of the most highly decorated infantry units in the Israel Defense Forces.
Units of Golani:
· 12th "Barak"/"Lightning" Infantry Battalion
· 13th "Gideon" Infantry Battalion
· 51st "HaBoki'm HaRishonim"/"First Breachers" Infantry Battalion
· "Egoz"/"Nut Tree" Reconnaissance Battalion (Anti-guerilla Special Forces)
· Special Troops Battalion
o Anti-tank Company
o Engineer Company
o Reconnaissance Company
· 351st Signal Company
Givati
Givati- The Givati Brigade (Hebrew: חֲטִיבַת גִּבְעָתִי) functions as the amphibious force and is one of the infantry brigades in the Israel Defense Forces. Givati soldiers are designated by purple berets. The Brigade's symbol is the fox, alluding to Shualei Shimshon (שועלי שמשון, lit. Samson's Foxes), a unit in the 1948 Arab-Israeli War
Units of Givati:
· (51st "HaBokim HaRishonim" Infantry Battalion was transferred to the Golani Brigade in 1956)
· 424th "Shaked"/"Almond" Infantry Battalion
· 432nd "Tzabar"/"Cactus" Infantry Battalion
· 435th "Rotem"/"Furze" Infantry Battalion
· 846th "Shualey Shimshon"/"Samson's Foxes" Special Troops Battalion
o "Dikla"/"Palm" Anti-Tank Company
o "Dolev"/"Plane tree" Engineer Company
o "Shualey Shimshon"/"Samson's Foxes" Reconnaissance Company
· "Maor"/"source of light" Signal Company
Nahal
Nachal- Noar Halutzi Lohem, in English Fighting Pioneer Youth, normally known as Nahal (Hebrew: נח"ל) is an Israel Defense Forces infantry brigade. Historically, it refers to a program that combines military service and establishment of new agricultural settlements, often in outlying areas. Later, the program branched out into volunteering and social welfare projects.
Units of Nachal
(Nahal units are named after types of rock.)
· 50 "Baselet" Airborne Battalion
· 931 "Shaham" Infantry Battalion
· 932 "Granite" Infantry Battalion
· 934 "Topaz" Special Troops Battalion
· "Gazit" Anti-Tank Company
· "Sapphire" Engineer Company
· 374th "Flint" Reconnaissance Company
· Scouts & Sniper Company
· "Agate" Signal Company
Video Interview 2
This Anonymous Interview was made to an ex-tzahal soldier (She asked not to be shown). *Only Audio Available
Interview translated. (English)
Well, how the army influenced on me:
First of all, it made me grow up in a mature way, gave me the opportunity to get more involved into the Israeli society because before I went to the army, I used to live in a bubble.
When I was in the army and I had soldiers as officers, I understood and realized that there were a lot of different groups inside the Israeli society and that was really significant for me to get involved.
Also, I learned how to manage my own conflicts and problems to find a solution by myself. And I always felt, and more when I finished that I was doing something really important for the country and that every Israeli has something to give to the Army and its our obligation.
Interview translated. (English)
Well, how the army influenced on me:
First of all, it made me grow up in a mature way, gave me the opportunity to get more involved into the Israeli society because before I went to the army, I used to live in a bubble.
When I was in the army and I had soldiers as officers, I understood and realized that there were a lot of different groups inside the Israeli society and that was really significant for me to get involved.
Also, I learned how to manage my own conflicts and problems to find a solution by myself. And I always felt, and more when I finished that I was doing something really important for the country and that every Israeli has something to give to the Army and its our obligation.
Conclusions of the open interviews
Conclusions
Based on the four open (personal) interviews made, as can be seen in the section “interviews” we made some suppositions of conclusion. We know that a four person interview cannot cover a wide range of opinions and realities, and as the rest of our research the few people interviewed can give nothing but a general idea of the questions asked and of the influence of the tzahal in the political formation of the combatants and ex-combatants. We will also give directions on how the research can continue to be done in order to reach the conclusions we seek.
The people that had a previous political formation before joining the tzahal, that is, the ones which the political view was a central point in the education at home with the family, in the tnuot noar (youth movements) or other activities taken, tend to strengthen their political views during the army service. This occurs due to the fact that people who are already formed politically, see the experiences and the situations they pass thru the eyes of their values, this means that whatever happens with someone of the right wing, for example, will be seen thru the eyes of a right wing person and the same occurs with left wings.
When asked about the role of the service in the formation or the change in the political view of the combatants it’s possible to observe two different kind of answers:
The right wing people say that their service on the army didn’t change at all their political view and in the other hand, people from left wing say that, although their service didn’t change their political view (due to the fact that it was already a strong one) it does changes the view of people that aren’t much into politics or center people, saying that the structure of the army, and specially the experiences that one haves take them to the right politically. From this we can might conclude that in some cases, the tzahal does takes the political view of people to the right. Why? The right wing people don’t really see the changes because for them, they don’t occur (they are already right wing). If we take the left wing people, the changes for the right are fare more visible and thus, they see it clearly. Once again, we’d like to underline how this suppositions are based on few interviews and may be vague and general.
Based on the four open (personal) interviews made, as can be seen in the section “interviews” we made some suppositions of conclusion. We know that a four person interview cannot cover a wide range of opinions and realities, and as the rest of our research the few people interviewed can give nothing but a general idea of the questions asked and of the influence of the tzahal in the political formation of the combatants and ex-combatants. We will also give directions on how the research can continue to be done in order to reach the conclusions we seek.
The people that had a previous political formation before joining the tzahal, that is, the ones which the political view was a central point in the education at home with the family, in the tnuot noar (youth movements) or other activities taken, tend to strengthen their political views during the army service. This occurs due to the fact that people who are already formed politically, see the experiences and the situations they pass thru the eyes of their values, this means that whatever happens with someone of the right wing, for example, will be seen thru the eyes of a right wing person and the same occurs with left wings.
When asked about the role of the service in the formation or the change in the political view of the combatants it’s possible to observe two different kind of answers:
The right wing people say that their service on the army didn’t change at all their political view and in the other hand, people from left wing say that, although their service didn’t change their political view (due to the fact that it was already a strong one) it does changes the view of people that aren’t much into politics or center people, saying that the structure of the army, and specially the experiences that one haves take them to the right politically. From this we can might conclude that in some cases, the tzahal does takes the political view of people to the right. Why? The right wing people don’t really see the changes because for them, they don’t occur (they are already right wing). If we take the left wing people, the changes for the right are fare more visible and thus, they see it clearly. Once again, we’d like to underline how this suppositions are based on few interviews and may be vague and general.
Uses of Work
Uses of work:
We really believe that treating a theme so central on Israel as the army and its influence on people’s life is, for itself, a reason to research it and try to find an answer that can better help people to understand the phenomena of the social changes on the Israeli society.
As educators, we feel that is our duty to know the influences of the experiences on the life of our chanichim in their formation, and, therefore, be able to work upon it in order to best educate and help them in the findings of what they really are and believe. These investigation can be useful for the young people of the tnuot noar(youth groups), whose chanichim will surely join the army in few years and will be deeply influenced by it. An educational program can be designed to best help them prepare for experiences they will be thru and so, react to them in a better way, most human, with the strengthening of their values, because is trough the values we bring with us that we should see the experiences in our life, and not trough the values of other people or institutions, and that’s a role the school can’t clearly fulfill (as the school work on the children to see the army as something big and marvelous, of which is an honor to be, not only a part but also a field combatant).
As Zionist movements, we educate for aliah. Our role as madrichim is to show Israeli society in its varied faces to our chanichim, to show them the reality of our nation as people and how we can best work to improve it once we are there. Other use of our investigation is to show our chanichim the influence of the army in people`s life and also in the life of a Ole Chadash (as we see the service as a choice to them, because they can immigrate under or over the age of service).
We really believe that treating a theme so central on Israel as the army and its influence on people’s life is, for itself, a reason to research it and try to find an answer that can better help people to understand the phenomena of the social changes on the Israeli society.
As educators, we feel that is our duty to know the influences of the experiences on the life of our chanichim in their formation, and, therefore, be able to work upon it in order to best educate and help them in the findings of what they really are and believe. These investigation can be useful for the young people of the tnuot noar(youth groups), whose chanichim will surely join the army in few years and will be deeply influenced by it. An educational program can be designed to best help them prepare for experiences they will be thru and so, react to them in a better way, most human, with the strengthening of their values, because is trough the values we bring with us that we should see the experiences in our life, and not trough the values of other people or institutions, and that’s a role the school can’t clearly fulfill (as the school work on the children to see the army as something big and marvelous, of which is an honor to be, not only a part but also a field combatant).
As Zionist movements, we educate for aliah. Our role as madrichim is to show Israeli society in its varied faces to our chanichim, to show them the reality of our nation as people and how we can best work to improve it once we are there. Other use of our investigation is to show our chanichim the influence of the army in people`s life and also in the life of a Ole Chadash (as we see the service as a choice to them, because they can immigrate under or over the age of service).
Our Goals and Social Analysis
Social Analysis:
When we began our activities, we were told to choose a theme that we thought to be relevant for the society and with which we could make a social change. Analyzing the Israeli society makes it clear that the army is one of (if not the) most important and central part of it. As a social project, we then focused on the social part of the army service: the persons who are soldiers during that 3 year period.
The army in Israel is an important subject that makes part of the life of all citizens, who dedicate two or three years of their lives to the military program procrastinating their university studies and life projects.
One analysis of the Israeli society is that, in the last Knesset Elections, we had a strengthening of the right wing and a weakening of the whole left wing. Although these oscillations between left and right thoughts are normal during the history of the country, and that mot people declare themselves as center, nowadays, we believed that maybe the service on the army played some role on it. On this supposition we based and developed our research. Our goal was, therefore to prove right or wrong this supposition.
Our goals:
The goals of the project were to:
1) Verify what's the role the service in the I.D.F played was in people’s later life
2) Verify the influence of this service on the political view of the Israeli’s
When we began our activities, we were told to choose a theme that we thought to be relevant for the society and with which we could make a social change. Analyzing the Israeli society makes it clear that the army is one of (if not the) most important and central part of it. As a social project, we then focused on the social part of the army service: the persons who are soldiers during that 3 year period.
The army in Israel is an important subject that makes part of the life of all citizens, who dedicate two or three years of their lives to the military program procrastinating their university studies and life projects.
One analysis of the Israeli society is that, in the last Knesset Elections, we had a strengthening of the right wing and a weakening of the whole left wing. Although these oscillations between left and right thoughts are normal during the history of the country, and that mot people declare themselves as center, nowadays, we believed that maybe the service on the army played some role on it. On this supposition we based and developed our research. Our goal was, therefore to prove right or wrong this supposition.
Our goals:
The goals of the project were to:
1) Verify what's the role the service in the I.D.F played was in people’s later life
2) Verify the influence of this service on the political view of the Israeli’s
About Us:
This is a project from the “social involvement” of the program Machon le Madrichei Chu`l Semester 118, conducted by 6 students and supervised by a monitor. We worked from September to December, once a week, collecting data and discussing how to best group it in order to make clear and objective conclusions.
Group of investigation:
Nathalie Pincovsky (Brasil)
Alex Grupenmacher (Brasil)
Rodrigo Forti (Brasil)
Daniel Handelman (Mexico)
Diego Cassorian (Chile)
Marcelo da Costa (Brasil)
Project Supervisor- Ariel Cegla (Israel)
Group of investigation:
Nathalie Pincovsky (Brasil)
Alex Grupenmacher (Brasil)
Rodrigo Forti (Brasil)
Daniel Handelman (Mexico)
Diego Cassorian (Chile)
Marcelo da Costa (Brasil)
Project Supervisor- Ariel Cegla (Israel)
12/01/2009
IDF Traditional Ethical Code
In 1992, the IDF drafted a Code of Conduct that is a combination of international law, Israeli law, Jewish heritage and the IDF's own traditional ethical code—the IDF Spirit (Hebrew: רוח צה"ל, Ru'ah Tzahal).
Stated values of the IDF
The document defines three core values for all IDF soldiers to follow, as well as ten secondary values (the first being most important, and the others being sorted in Hebrew alphabetical order)
Core values
· Defense of the State, its Citizens and its Residents - "The IDF's goal is to defend the existence of the State of Israel, its independence and the security of the citizens and residents of the state."
· Love of the Homeland and Loyalty to the Country - "At the core of service in the IDF stand the love of the homeland and the commitment and devotion to the State of Israel-a democratic state that serves as a national home for the Jewish People-its citizens and residents."
· Human Dignity - "The IDF and its soldiers are obligated to protect human dignity. Every human being is of value regardless of his or her origin, religion, nationality, gender, status or position."
Other values
· Tenacity of Purpose in Performing Missions and Drive to Victory - "The IDF servicemen and women will fight and conduct themselves with courage in the face of all dangers and obstacles; they will persevere in their missions resolutely and thoughtfully even to the point of endangering their lives."
· Responsibility - "The IDF servicemen or women will see themselves as active participants in the defense of the state, its citizens and residents. They will carry out their duties at all times with initiative, involvement and diligence with common sense and within the framework of their authority, while prepared to bear responsibility for their conduct."
· Credibility - "The IDF servicemen and women shall present things objectively, completely and precisely, in planning, performing and reporting. They will act in such a manner that their peers and commanders can rely upon them in performing their tasks."
· Personal Example - "The IDF servicemen and women will comport themselves as required of them, and will demand of themselves as they demand of others, out of recognition of their ability and responsibility within the military and without to serve as a deserving role model."
· Human Life - "The IDF servicemen and women will act in a judicious and safe manner in all they do, out of recognition of the supreme value of human life. During combat they will endanger themselves and their comrades only to the extent required to carry out their mission."
· Purity of Arms - "The soldier shall make use of his weaponry and power only for the fulfillment of the mission and solely to the extent required; he will maintain his humanity even in combat. The soldier shall not employ his weaponry and power in order to harm non-combatants or prisoners of war, and shall do all he can to avoid harming their lives, body, honor and property."
· Professionalism - "The IDF servicemen and women will acquire the professional knowledge and skills required to perform their tasks, and will implement them while striving continuously to perfect their personal and collective achievements."
· Discipline - "The IDF servicemen and women will strive to the best of their ability to fully and successfully complete all that is required of them according to orders and their spirit. IDF soldiers will be meticulous in giving only lawful orders, and shall refrain from obeying blatantly illegal orders."
· Comradeship - "The IDF servicemen and women will act out of fraternity and devotion to their comrades, and will always go to their assistance when they need their help or depend on them, despite any danger or difficulty, even to the point of risking their lives."
· Sense of Mission - "The IDF soldiers view their service in the IDF as a mission; they will be ready to give their all in order to defend the state, its citizens and residents. This is due to the fact that they are representatives of the IDF who act on the basis and in the framework of the authority given to them in accordance with IDF orders."
Stated values of the IDF
The document defines three core values for all IDF soldiers to follow, as well as ten secondary values (the first being most important, and the others being sorted in Hebrew alphabetical order)
Core values
· Defense of the State, its Citizens and its Residents - "The IDF's goal is to defend the existence of the State of Israel, its independence and the security of the citizens and residents of the state."
· Love of the Homeland and Loyalty to the Country - "At the core of service in the IDF stand the love of the homeland and the commitment and devotion to the State of Israel-a democratic state that serves as a national home for the Jewish People-its citizens and residents."
· Human Dignity - "The IDF and its soldiers are obligated to protect human dignity. Every human being is of value regardless of his or her origin, religion, nationality, gender, status or position."
Other values
· Tenacity of Purpose in Performing Missions and Drive to Victory - "The IDF servicemen and women will fight and conduct themselves with courage in the face of all dangers and obstacles; they will persevere in their missions resolutely and thoughtfully even to the point of endangering their lives."
· Responsibility - "The IDF servicemen or women will see themselves as active participants in the defense of the state, its citizens and residents. They will carry out their duties at all times with initiative, involvement and diligence with common sense and within the framework of their authority, while prepared to bear responsibility for their conduct."
· Credibility - "The IDF servicemen and women shall present things objectively, completely and precisely, in planning, performing and reporting. They will act in such a manner that their peers and commanders can rely upon them in performing their tasks."
· Personal Example - "The IDF servicemen and women will comport themselves as required of them, and will demand of themselves as they demand of others, out of recognition of their ability and responsibility within the military and without to serve as a deserving role model."
· Human Life - "The IDF servicemen and women will act in a judicious and safe manner in all they do, out of recognition of the supreme value of human life. During combat they will endanger themselves and their comrades only to the extent required to carry out their mission."
· Purity of Arms - "The soldier shall make use of his weaponry and power only for the fulfillment of the mission and solely to the extent required; he will maintain his humanity even in combat. The soldier shall not employ his weaponry and power in order to harm non-combatants or prisoners of war, and shall do all he can to avoid harming their lives, body, honor and property."
· Professionalism - "The IDF servicemen and women will acquire the professional knowledge and skills required to perform their tasks, and will implement them while striving continuously to perfect their personal and collective achievements."
· Discipline - "The IDF servicemen and women will strive to the best of their ability to fully and successfully complete all that is required of them according to orders and their spirit. IDF soldiers will be meticulous in giving only lawful orders, and shall refrain from obeying blatantly illegal orders."
· Comradeship - "The IDF servicemen and women will act out of fraternity and devotion to their comrades, and will always go to their assistance when they need their help or depend on them, despite any danger or difficulty, even to the point of risking their lives."
· Sense of Mission - "The IDF soldiers view their service in the IDF as a mission; they will be ready to give their all in order to defend the state, its citizens and residents. This is due to the fact that they are representatives of the IDF who act on the basis and in the framework of the authority given to them in accordance with IDF orders."
Interviews
Algunas entrevistas realizadas a ex-combatientes de distintas unidades sobre su servicio militar, experiencias y la forma en la cual influyo en su pensamiento y la forma de ver el mundo.
INTERVIEW 1
Age: 33
Gender: Male
Iechida: Tzanchanim
Function: Samal Machlaka
How long ago have you unjoined the Tzahal: it`s been 9 years but I still do the military reserve.
Who did you vote on the last elections: Ehud Olmert (Kadima)
Who do you think you're going to vote on the next: It is too soon to be sure, but today I would vote Liberman (Israel Beitenu)
Politics
Q. Are you satisfied with the actual government?
A. It could be better. I was more satisfied with the previous government. From 1 to 10 I would give them 7.
Q. What do you think about the obligatory military service?
A. It must be obligatory. We need to have a strong army. It needs to be for all Israelis because besides the war, in the army we learn about social conscience and partnership.
Influence of the Army on the society
Q. For you, does the army influence on the political vision of the people? Why?
A. In short terms, it does influence, but it doesn't really change the political view of people during the 3 years of service.
Q. In which ways could the Army influence someone's life?
A. People tend to be more responsible, adults and serious in the things they do.
Q. Is there something that you think could be done, educationally, in order to prepare the young people that you enroll in the Tzahal?
A. During the High School (tichon) we must talk to the young about it, bring soldiers and ex-soldiers to talk, teach them the options they have when enrolled, the history of the country and the army (in order for them to understand how big and important is the organ they will represent).
Q. Which experience during the army service most marked you as a person?
A. There's nothing specific. The whole service on the Tzahal made me a more responsible man and citizen.
Q. How important do you think is the issue of army inside de educational process in Israel?
A. During my basic training in the army, my mefaked (commandant) not only taught me about how to fight, but also values, history, education. You can learn a lot of things besides the fight learning from it.
Personal Formation
Q. How do you define yourself politically?
A. Right wing and Zionist (Iemini ve Tzioni)
Q. Which person/institution/experience most influenced you at this issue?
A. Before I joined the army, my family played a big roll on it, and after that, Rafael Eitan, ex-Ramatkal.
Galut(Diaspora)
Q. How important is the service on Tzahal for the absorption of new immigrants (Olim Hadashim)?
A. A immigrant that was on the army feel more fit into the Israeli society, has a better understanding on the country issues and people also treat him in a different way. For the persons themselves it is also good. Tzahal gives you a lot of courses that help you in the absorption, for example, Hebrew classes.
Q. How important is the army for the Jews in the Galut?
A. People from the Galut that stand for Israel (and see the Tzahal as a main part of it) also help with money, serving the army and defending it in discussions.
INTERVIEW 2
Age: 28
Gender: Male.
Iechida: Handassa Kravit
Function: Two different. Kashar MP and Kalah( medium distance shooter).
How long ago have you unjoined the Tzahal: 4 years ago.
Who did you vote on the last elections: Meretz.
Who do you think you're going to vote on the next: Hadash.
Politics
Q. Are you satisfied with the actual government?
A. No
Q. What do you think about the obligatory military service?
A.On one hand it's not necessary because Israel can live without it and, as I'm sure that the war situation is evitable, and therefore, we can reduce the size of the army. It also doesn’t fulfill its plays in creation of a equalitarian society anymore. It was said that the army would help to built a society with equal rights, but it's really not because the Arabs have fewer rights than the Jews. Also, there could be other situations to accomplish these goals outside the army and the persons that succeed in the Tzahal have the same profile: Ashkenazim, kibtuzinikim, wealthy…
Influence of the Army on the society
Q. For you, does the army influence on the political vision of the people? Why?
A. In the majority of the cases it creates a vision more to the right wing. The military experience turns you more aggressive, impatient, with more hate to the Arabs, in general. In our case, being Kravi (combatants) takes you more to the right wing politically.
Q.In which ways could the Army influence someone's life?
A. To me, it made me think there's nothing more important in Israel nowadays than to solve the Israeli-Arab conflict.
Nothing is black or white. In a certain way, it creates suspicious, aggressive people, that consider that thing can be owned by force (It's possible to see this easily when taking a bus, for example). People create superb (believe that they are world owners and can do whatever they want).
Q. Is there something that you think could be done, educationally, in order to prepare the young people that you enroll in the Tzahal?
A. That people would join the army with 21 instead of 18, but its not right to require from the 21 ones that want to study and move on with life to let it all on the side and to go to the army.
Q. Which experience during the army service most marked you as a person?
A. One day we had to cut an Arab village in two, in order for a terrorist not to escape. 50 people arrived and they just wanted to go to Meca for peregrination and we couldn't let them pass through. It could be easily seen that they had nothing to do with it. I talked with one of them, a professor from the Hebron university, who said that he understood me, but just wanted to pass with elderly people that were very tired.. At least we were able to call the Shabak to view their situation on the computer and to let them pass. The army should'nt have direct contact with the civil population.
Q. How important do you think is the issue of army inside the educational process in Israel?
A. Very big. In many ways the Jewish schools transmit expectations as to what they will do in the army, for them to be combatants, good soldiers. The children are encouraged to send gifts to soldiers during wars. That's not just to pass information, but expectations also and that's clear for everyone. I think that is not the role of the school to deal with that. The teacher does not have legitimacy to do it.
Personal Formation
Q. How do you define yourself politically?
A. Humanistic and liberal. Economically I'm liberal, not neo-liberal, I don't support the wild capitalism. Nor think that the State has to be too much into the economic activities.
Q. Which person/institution/experience most influenced you at this issue?
A.In a certain way, the place in which I study (university). In the recent years some of my positions were better defined. From the tnua a little, from the experience in the shnat a little, from my home also, from a Israeli cousin that I have…
Galut(Diaspora)
Q. How important is the service on Tzahal for the absorption of new immigrants (Olim Hadashim)?
A. There are pros and cons. In the end, it's the same. When in the army you learn more of integration elements, but if you have worked in a restaurant you would integrate yourself also. There are also bad things like delaying personal projects. In the end, I really think is the same.
Q. How important is the army for the Jews in the Galut?
A. None. There shouldn't be relations except in very specific cases. It's not supposed to be the Jewish army, but the country's army. Sending money or people to protect the communities shouldn't be done, unless they would pay for it but nothing too big.
INTERVIEW 1
Age: 33
Gender: Male
Iechida: Tzanchanim
Function: Samal Machlaka
How long ago have you unjoined the Tzahal: it`s been 9 years but I still do the military reserve.
Who did you vote on the last elections: Ehud Olmert (Kadima)
Who do you think you're going to vote on the next: It is too soon to be sure, but today I would vote Liberman (Israel Beitenu)
Politics
Q. Are you satisfied with the actual government?
A. It could be better. I was more satisfied with the previous government. From 1 to 10 I would give them 7.
Q. What do you think about the obligatory military service?
A. It must be obligatory. We need to have a strong army. It needs to be for all Israelis because besides the war, in the army we learn about social conscience and partnership.
Influence of the Army on the society
Q. For you, does the army influence on the political vision of the people? Why?
A. In short terms, it does influence, but it doesn't really change the political view of people during the 3 years of service.
Q. In which ways could the Army influence someone's life?
A. People tend to be more responsible, adults and serious in the things they do.
Q. Is there something that you think could be done, educationally, in order to prepare the young people that you enroll in the Tzahal?
A. During the High School (tichon) we must talk to the young about it, bring soldiers and ex-soldiers to talk, teach them the options they have when enrolled, the history of the country and the army (in order for them to understand how big and important is the organ they will represent).
Q. Which experience during the army service most marked you as a person?
A. There's nothing specific. The whole service on the Tzahal made me a more responsible man and citizen.
Q. How important do you think is the issue of army inside de educational process in Israel?
A. During my basic training in the army, my mefaked (commandant) not only taught me about how to fight, but also values, history, education. You can learn a lot of things besides the fight learning from it.
Personal Formation
Q. How do you define yourself politically?
A. Right wing and Zionist (Iemini ve Tzioni)
Q. Which person/institution/experience most influenced you at this issue?
A. Before I joined the army, my family played a big roll on it, and after that, Rafael Eitan, ex-Ramatkal.
Galut(Diaspora)
Q. How important is the service on Tzahal for the absorption of new immigrants (Olim Hadashim)?
A. A immigrant that was on the army feel more fit into the Israeli society, has a better understanding on the country issues and people also treat him in a different way. For the persons themselves it is also good. Tzahal gives you a lot of courses that help you in the absorption, for example, Hebrew classes.
Q. How important is the army for the Jews in the Galut?
A. People from the Galut that stand for Israel (and see the Tzahal as a main part of it) also help with money, serving the army and defending it in discussions.
INTERVIEW 2
Age: 28
Gender: Male.
Iechida: Handassa Kravit
Function: Two different. Kashar MP and Kalah( medium distance shooter).
How long ago have you unjoined the Tzahal: 4 years ago.
Who did you vote on the last elections: Meretz.
Who do you think you're going to vote on the next: Hadash.
Politics
Q. Are you satisfied with the actual government?
A. No
Q. What do you think about the obligatory military service?
A.On one hand it's not necessary because Israel can live without it and, as I'm sure that the war situation is evitable, and therefore, we can reduce the size of the army. It also doesn’t fulfill its plays in creation of a equalitarian society anymore. It was said that the army would help to built a society with equal rights, but it's really not because the Arabs have fewer rights than the Jews. Also, there could be other situations to accomplish these goals outside the army and the persons that succeed in the Tzahal have the same profile: Ashkenazim, kibtuzinikim, wealthy…
Influence of the Army on the society
Q. For you, does the army influence on the political vision of the people? Why?
A. In the majority of the cases it creates a vision more to the right wing. The military experience turns you more aggressive, impatient, with more hate to the Arabs, in general. In our case, being Kravi (combatants) takes you more to the right wing politically.
Q.In which ways could the Army influence someone's life?
A. To me, it made me think there's nothing more important in Israel nowadays than to solve the Israeli-Arab conflict.
Nothing is black or white. In a certain way, it creates suspicious, aggressive people, that consider that thing can be owned by force (It's possible to see this easily when taking a bus, for example). People create superb (believe that they are world owners and can do whatever they want).
Q. Is there something that you think could be done, educationally, in order to prepare the young people that you enroll in the Tzahal?
A. That people would join the army with 21 instead of 18, but its not right to require from the 21 ones that want to study and move on with life to let it all on the side and to go to the army.
Q. Which experience during the army service most marked you as a person?
A. One day we had to cut an Arab village in two, in order for a terrorist not to escape. 50 people arrived and they just wanted to go to Meca for peregrination and we couldn't let them pass through. It could be easily seen that they had nothing to do with it. I talked with one of them, a professor from the Hebron university, who said that he understood me, but just wanted to pass with elderly people that were very tired.. At least we were able to call the Shabak to view their situation on the computer and to let them pass. The army should'nt have direct contact with the civil population.
Q. How important do you think is the issue of army inside the educational process in Israel?
A. Very big. In many ways the Jewish schools transmit expectations as to what they will do in the army, for them to be combatants, good soldiers. The children are encouraged to send gifts to soldiers during wars. That's not just to pass information, but expectations also and that's clear for everyone. I think that is not the role of the school to deal with that. The teacher does not have legitimacy to do it.
Personal Formation
Q. How do you define yourself politically?
A. Humanistic and liberal. Economically I'm liberal, not neo-liberal, I don't support the wild capitalism. Nor think that the State has to be too much into the economic activities.
Q. Which person/institution/experience most influenced you at this issue?
A.In a certain way, the place in which I study (university). In the recent years some of my positions were better defined. From the tnua a little, from the experience in the shnat a little, from my home also, from a Israeli cousin that I have…
Galut(Diaspora)
Q. How important is the service on Tzahal for the absorption of new immigrants (Olim Hadashim)?
A. There are pros and cons. In the end, it's the same. When in the army you learn more of integration elements, but if you have worked in a restaurant you would integrate yourself also. There are also bad things like delaying personal projects. In the end, I really think is the same.
Q. How important is the army for the Jews in the Galut?
A. None. There shouldn't be relations except in very specific cases. It's not supposed to be the Jewish army, but the country's army. Sending money or people to protect the communities shouldn't be done, unless they would pay for it but nothing too big.
Lo Frayerim/Hadag najash
Music of Hadag Nachash – Not suckers
How much longer? In our dreams we’ll sail like a Mig, look out from above on all the stink from a safe distance, which is 5 minutes from Kfar Saba
How much longer? Close our eyes to what’s happening under our noses and pretend that everything’s Sababa
We’ll bring a beer from the fridge and zap to a different channel
How much longer? Think about tokes and drinks and shags forever, so what that my next door neighbour’s Danny is an orphan?
I was at the funeral and went over for the shiva but it’s too much for me to break the cycle of suffering.
And we’ll do reserve duty, pay our taxes
And we’ll get stuck in traffic (no one screws with us)
We are definitely definitely definitely not
we’re definitely not frayerim
And we’ll do reserve duty, pay our taxes
And we’ll get stuck in traffic (no one screws with us)
We are definitely definitely definitely not
We’re definitely not frayerim
My mates say enough enough of being so heavy
And I don’t disagree but the situation’s absurd – try to get some of these examples and if you don’t manage then wait for me
Cos if here a missile fell, there there’s another bomb-shell
What does it matter who’ll take over from Jordan,Katash, or Shaquille
And if here it’s a combat zone, there a minefield
What does it matter if I pay by cheque, credit, or cash
And if water is 700 and rates are 2000
Of course I’ll take part in the latest discount deal…
Left – right – look to the sides
And we’ll do reserve duty...
And sometimes everything looks just weird, not connected
Like a nun in a brothel or a whore in a monastery
Everything’s going from bad to worse
Tear emerges from the eye, spills over onto the cheek and you? – I cry about it all.
Weep at how it all could have been major here
Could have been harmony…
Between synagogue and flack-jacket to the mosque
Shopping mall, church, it all could have been one
Instead there’s this feeling of help!
Living with this sense of ‘as if’
Without looking reality in the face
With no attempt to move forward, only to float
Disconnect
Do everything not to get screwed
Do everything not to get screwed
And we’ll do reserve duty...
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