Did you know about the all-women tank unit that killed 50 heavily armed terrorists and saved a kibbutz?
Did you know that 40% of IDF combat recruits in the current draft cycle are women?
Did you know that there have been 3,000 mothers serving in miluim?
Did you know that IDF female soldiers have engaged with Hamas terrorists?
Did you know there were female IDF soldiers in Lebanon?
Did you know that this year, the IDF accepted its first woman into the most elite commando unit?
Did you know that female combat soldiers have been exposed to sirens and bombs and fallout from the Iron Dome multiple times a day?
Do you remember the tragic fate of the IDF women soldiers of Nahal Oz?
I know. I know because my daughter served 216 days in a combat unit in miluim for three tours of duty, side by side with men.
Yet, I frequently hear drashot that recognize only the men who are serving. I am heartbroken when, oftentimes, introducing the prayer for the Tzahal, we are told to have in mind the brave men who are serving. Are the women of the IDF not deserving of being kept in mind? Should parents who have sleepless nights worrying about their daughters serving in the IDF be subjected to the painful omission during these drashot and introductions to the prayer for the Tzahal?
My husband and I gently approach rebbeim and speakers and bring to their attention that women are also serving in combat, and receive the response “I didn’t realize.”
This isn’t an issue in Israel. The IDF was built on the backs of men and women serving together. Women are mandated to serve their country. Everyone is fully aware of the “Did you knows…” mentioned above.
For our Modern Orthodox community that rallies on behalf of Israel and simultaneously prides itself on empowering women, how is it that so many in our community “didn’t realize”? There have been missions to Israel. News articles. Instagram posts. Donation drives. All featuring men and women. Why is there a gap between the statistics around female IDF soldiers and the proper acknowledgement of their service?
Our friends have been tremendously caring and supportive as they frequently ask about Sophie. There have been shuls, schools and institutions that don’t distinguish between male and female IDF soldiers, understanding that every soldier deserves our support. This support has been exceedingly impactful and meaningful.
Yet, strangely, there has been this unfathomable omission of outward recognition and support for female soldiers from some sectors, leaders and rebbeim in our community.
Why are some of the all-female high schools, seminaries and colleges not more outspoken and actively supporting their alumni who are serving in the war? Is it possible to reach out to their students who are in active duty and miluim and let them know they are being kept in mind and being asked what they may need? For those institutions that are already doing this, thank you.
It’s time for a course correction. We can do better.
Female IDF soldiers who are risking their lives need your chizuk and tefillot.
Female IDF soldiers who are injured need your chizuk and tefillot.
Female IDF soldiers who are apart from their children need your chizuk and tefillot.
Female IDF soldiers who are putting their lives on hold to serve the country need your chizuk and tefillot.
Families of fallen female soldiers need your chizuk and tefillot.
Female soldiers who are suffering from PTSD need your chizuk and tefillot.
To all the brave women of the IDF, thank you for your service and your sacrifice.
