Members of an organization called “Parents of Soldiers” are holding a protest vigil outside the IDF Enlistment Office, reminding new recruits that their mission will be to protect the State – not expel Jews.
The participants are distributing to Israel's newest soldiers a short pamphlet explaining that IDF soldiers are obligated to act according to the IDF’s Code of Ethics.
Dr. Ron Breiman, a member of both Professors for a Strong Israel and Parents of Soldiers, explained to Arutz-7: “We are reminding the new enlistees that their job is to fight the enemy, and not to expel Jews from their homes.”
Parents of Soldiers is comprised of both religious and secular members from around the country.
Asked to explain the timing of the current campaign, Breiman said, “It was exactly five years ago this week that thousands of Jews from Gush Katif and northern Shomron were thrown out of their homes. That expulsion was totally unjustified from the very beginning. All the darkest fears and warnings came true, and we see now the heavy price that we are paying ethically, politically, security-wise, and economically.”
“Throwing out citizens from their homes is not the job of an army,” Breiman emphasized. “We demand not only that orders to do so not be obeyed, but also that they not be given at all.”
Message for Future Governments
“Giving out these pamphlets has a message for the future,” Dr. Breiman noted. “All peace plans currently on the table are based on another expulsion of Jews from their homes. We want peace – but not peace that is based on expulsion, that is not Zionist and not ethical. We want to get this message out before the government takes further steps to strengthen the enemy.”
The pamphlet is entitled, “Joining the Army? Don’t Forget Why!” Its back panel states in bold letters, “When you put on your uniform, remember: We fight enemies, not citizens!”
The pamphlet quotes from the IDF’s Code of Ethics as follows: “The purpose of the IDF is to protect the existence and independence of the State of Israel, and the security of its citizens and residents… The IDF and its soldiers must maintain the dignity of others… Soldiers must not use their force to harm non-combatants, and will do all they can to prevent harm to their lives, bodies, dignity and property… Soldiers will make sure to issue only legal orders, and must not obey commands that are clearly illegal.”
The pamphlet further states, “...You were not sent to serve in a political army that harms its own nation, or that plays a role in destroying our land and treats its citizens like enemies. Remember! Protect the army and its unity from attempts to turn it into a divisive and party-based army, activated by political interests. The expulsion of Jews from their homes is not security – it’s politics!”
“We salute you and wish you success,” the pamphlet concludes.