They are used in reconnaissance units, guarding the border, fly fighter jets – Israel is the only country in the world where women must perform military service. The Berlin-based photographer Simon Akstinat accompanied the soldiers.
“The army is the supreme symbol of duty, and as long as women are not equal to men in the fulfillment of this obligation, we have not yet achieved true equality.” More than 65 years have passed since Israel’s founding father and first Prime Minister David Ben-Gurion spoke these words, which have become a principle of Israeli forces.
On 18 August 1948, three months after the founding of the state, Ben-Gurion proclaimed the universal conscription for all women between 18 and 28, who were childless. To this day, the Jewish state is the only country in the world where women have to serve in the military.
Military service for women was born out of necessity: Given the numerical superiority of the Arab armies took the IDF not only every man, but also every woman. In the War of Independence fought soldiers at the front, later they moved into second place – too great was the fear of the military top brass that women could fall into the hands of the Arab enemies.
The first generation of female conscripts provided valuable services elsewhere. Early fifties was the Luftwaffe from the first female pilots. They were used as in the Suez War in 1956 to bring troops to the front and to evacuate wounded.
Female Soldiers In Israel:2006 was a soldier in the war in Lebanon
Over the past 15 years, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have ever opened for women. Since 2000 is held by law: “Women have the same right as men to serve in any position in the army.” A year later, Roni Zuckerman was the first female combat pilot of the Israeli army. In Lebanon, fought in 2006 for the first time since the War of Independence again soldiers on the front line. Keren Tendler was killed – the first female soldier who fell for Israel since 1948 in a war.
Also in 2006, founded the IDF “Nachshol” reconnaissance unit, consisting only of women. Thus, the only all-female fighting force is the 40-member group that is stationed on the Egyptian border, around the world. Meanwhile, soldiers are open about 90 percent of all positions in the military.
However, the role of women in the Israeli army is not without controversy. Especially ultra-Orthodox groups are calling for to reduce the intake of women or stop completely. Strictly Religious soldiers have repeatedly refused in the past few years, to attend military events where female soldiers sing. In Israeli media these incidents were a big issue – finally stirred the refusal of soldiers to a basic maxim of the Jewish State. At the same time this Eklats were regarded as symbols of the growing influence of ultra-religious Jews on politics and society in Israel.
The number of female soldiers who are victims of sexual abuse has increased in recent years. In 2013, one out of eight members of the army has reported relevant incidents.
Nevertheless, most Israeli women are proud to serve two years in the military. The Berlin-based photographer Simon Akstinat Last year, portrays numerous soldiers (here you get to the photo gallery) who are stationed in several barracks in the Negev desert in southern Israel. For his book “Guns N’Moses” that will appear this fall, he accompanied, among others, two Auswanderinnen from Germany, the military service in Israel.
Akstinat wanted to make no war reportage, but has his photo series emphasizes kept apolitical. “I like Israel very much, but the people do not need, nor my position on the Middle East conflict,” says the photographer. “To achieve this have a billion other people have expressed.”
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