Some Israeli Arabs Have Joined The Israeli Military

Israeli soldiers patrol on the West Bank village of Arura in June 2014. Mohamad Torokman / Reuters

NBC News: Arab Israelis Are Joining the IDF in Growing Numbers: Officials

KISSUFIM CROSSING, Israel — The Star of David is the best-known symbol of Jewish identity and of patriotism for the state of Israel.

So it may come as a surprise that a six-pointed star hangs around the neck of Sgt. Yossef Saluta, a Muslim Arab.

The 20-year-old poses proudly wearing the necklace and his Israeli army uniform, a rifle slung over his shoulder. He is among a tiny but growing number of Arab Israelis to defy tradition — and often their communities — to serve in the Israeli military.

"There is more openness among Arab Muslims that are not Bedouins to volunteer and join the army," according to Col. Wagdi Sarhan, the head of the minorities unit in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). "We're talking about recruitment of dozens of Arab Muslim youth and we are hopeful that the numbers will grow."

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WNU Editor: A few dozen joining the Israeli Army is not a significant trend.

Gaza Conflict Stirs Emotions For Arabs In Israel

(Photo from Needle In A Hay Stack)

From The Jerusalem Post:

As the truce in the Gaza Strip unravels, Arabs in Israel are sympathetic and angry about the plight of the Palestinian residents. But, many say they blame both sides for the deterioration seen in the past few weeks.

Even in Umm el-Fahm, which is known to be a stronghold of the northern branch of the Islamic Movement, residents acknowledged what they described as missteps or violations by both sides.

"Israel is very tough on Gaza - at the same time, Hamas isn't blameless for what is happening," said Yasser Farahat, 30, a clothing store employee who lives both in Umm el-Fahm and in Jenin.

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My Comment: The problem has always been .... the next generation. When children are brought up with violence, deprivation, and economic hardships on a constant basis .... long term cultural and psychological problems will always arise. For the Middle East, this manifests as violence and hatred.