Lately the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have undergone an excessive and unwarranted amount of criticism. At the end of January 50 or so officers passed around a petition saying that they no longer would serve as occupiers. The original group of officers hoped to get 500 signatures of soldiers to refuse to serve in the West Bank and Gaza. Their reasons were clear ? they believe that acting as occupiers usurps ethical standards.
The reaction to this was fierce and immediate, both in Israel and throughout the world. Shlomo Gazit, the former head of Military Intelligence of the IDF wrote, "I do not like the 'conscientious objectors.' I believe anyone who refuses to put on a uniform and carry arms in Israel is a parasite who wishes to lead a comfortable life while others do the dirty work." He later encouraged all the soldiers who put their name on the petition to renege.
Gazit had it all backwards. Every soldier should be lauded and considered national and international heroes. They did not abandon their military units or shame their uniform ? in actuality, they just practiced a vital part of any hale and hearty democracy: free speech.
It is important to understand that every Israeli must serve in the military; it is part of the citizenship requirement. Here in the United States, if a soldier were to dishonor a command, they would be removed from the military. Because it is a choice to serve in the U.S, it can be expected for soldiers to follow orders as long as their officer's commands do not contradict basic moral law. In Israel, where everyone serves, democratic participation includes having an opinion and acting on it, even during times of warfare. And heaven forbid they were acting as pacifists ? a far superior way to solve any conflict over violent and terrorist acts. If words can replace bloodshed, then let words replace bloodshed.
As Americans, we should be especially proud of the small assemblage that practices free speech so openly. After Sept. 11, the media and the American people declared that "freedom was attacked" (assuming freedom is a euphemism for the World Trade Center). We are a nation that values our rights and are willing to go to great lengths to protect them.
Even in the United States, freedom of speech is not always guaranteed. Promptly after the attacks in September, Condoleeza Rice requested news stations not to air certain videotapes of Osama Bin-Laden. This restriction, although not official, was unmistakably an attempt of the government to inhibit communications. In other words, free speech was at stake.
The government generally does not interfere with rights during times of peace and prosperity and no one concerns themselves with civil rights until they are taken away. As soon as conflict arises, the government is more likely to infringe on rights in the name of "national security." Well, here's a news flash: the Bill of Rights were prearranged to protect us at all times, both peace and war, poverty and prosperity, boom and recession! Free speech is constant. If our rights dissolve as soon as one government dissents with another, than we may as well have no rights at all. This is the essence of natural rights ? they exist in all conditions and at all times.
Our Bill of Rights may not extend out to the Middle East but inherent rights do. Israel is the sole democracy in the Middle East. I find it reassuring that this small country, surrounded by adversaries, still provides an environment that nurtures democratic values. To be a healthy and thriving democracy, they need to practice and pursue these ideals.
These soldiers were causing no harm to anyone; they simply proved that the government in Israel is working. You don't need to agree or disagree with their cause. Just feel comforted knowing that they are there, willing to speak out and willing to take a risk for peace.
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