A unique program launched this week at the IDF School of Military Justice in Tzrifin has brought smiles to the faces of a group of very special soldiers. Students from the "Mesilot" school in Bat Yam who suffer from developmental disabilities were drafted, appeared in uniform for the first time and were welcomed into the IDF family at an official ceremony attended by the IDF JAG (Judge Advocate General), General Menachem Finkelstein.
"You are the proof," said the JAG in his public remarks, "that nothing can stand in the way of desire. You are a perfect illustration of those who are imbued with the value of civil duty that is at the heart and spirit of the IDF.
"The IDF is not only a war machine, but serves as the fire that stokes our great melting pot and as a supreme educational tool that is tasked with certain social responsibilities that it takes very seriously," said the JAG. "It is clear to us that you are going to contribute to us no less than we will be able to contribute to you, by helping strengthen our feeling of social responsibility and care for the other."
The new soldiers from the "Mesilot" school ("Tracks" in Hebrew) will participate in specific but vital base operations once a week. In response to the JAG the student/soldier representative said, "we are happy that we can contribute to the quality of life of the soldiers, for the sake of our entire country."
Lt. Col. Amos Giora, commander of the School of Military Justice, told the IDF website that "working with different parts of society does much more for us than it does for the students. It gives us a sense of proportions. Despite our heavy work load recently, supporting the combat units, I have made it a point that all our officers and soldiers continue to be active in the community. If the army can still contribute to the community, despite the heavy cutbacks, it really has a responsibility to do so. This special activity really helps three different publics, the combat soldiers, the JAG lawyers and the community."
The IDF School of Military Justice in Tzrifin was founded seven years ago and is responsible for training over 13,000 officers and enlisted men and women each year on a wide range of issues pertaining to military justice and law, both international and domestic. The school staff also participates in training seminars for enlisted and reserve field units on behavior expectations and standards in combat.
"You are the proof," said the JAG in his public remarks, "that nothing can stand in the way of desire. You are a perfect illustration of those who are imbued with the value of civil duty that is at the heart and spirit of the IDF.
"The IDF is not only a war machine, but serves as the fire that stokes our great melting pot and as a supreme educational tool that is tasked with certain social responsibilities that it takes very seriously," said the JAG. "It is clear to us that you are going to contribute to us no less than we will be able to contribute to you, by helping strengthen our feeling of social responsibility and care for the other."
The new soldiers from the "Mesilot" school ("Tracks" in Hebrew) will participate in specific but vital base operations once a week. In response to the JAG the student/soldier representative said, "we are happy that we can contribute to the quality of life of the soldiers, for the sake of our entire country."
Lt. Col. Amos Giora, commander of the School of Military Justice, told the IDF website that "working with different parts of society does much more for us than it does for the students. It gives us a sense of proportions. Despite our heavy work load recently, supporting the combat units, I have made it a point that all our officers and soldiers continue to be active in the community. If the army can still contribute to the community, despite the heavy cutbacks, it really has a responsibility to do so. This special activity really helps three different publics, the combat soldiers, the JAG lawyers and the community."
The IDF School of Military Justice in Tzrifin was founded seven years ago and is responsible for training over 13,000 officers and enlisted men and women each year on a wide range of issues pertaining to military justice and law, both international and domestic. The school staff also participates in training seminars for enlisted and reserve field units on behavior expectations and standards in combat.