New pre-military academy caters especially to Bedouin youth - Daniel Siryoti

by Daniel Siryoti

"It is important to me to contribute to the country and to have the opportunity to serve, to study, to work and to succeed, just like everyone else here," says Annan Hujirat, a member of the Bedouin community who plans to enlist in the IDF this year.

Members of the new pre-military preparatory academy | Photo credit: Ma'ase Center, Rashi Foundation

With the launch of the first pre-military preparatory academy specifically geared toward Bedouin youth choosing to join the IDF, young members of the community are sharing their stories of serving in the military and the many considerations that go into making that decision.

Some spoke about the complexity of choosing to enlist and about the unexpected competition they encountered between the Bedouin Reconnaissance Unit and other IDF units. 

Members of the Bedouin minority are not legally required to serve in the military, though Jewish Israelis are. Data from the Defense Ministry indicate that fewer than 10% of eligible Bedouin volunteer to serve. Annan Hujirat, Hadi Souad and Mustafa Hujirat explained that the low turnout is one of the reasons they decided to enlist. 

Annan Hujirat from Bir al-Maksur, who plans to be the first in his family to join the military this year, said, "I see myself as Bedouin and Israeli, in every way. It is important to me to contribute to the country and to have the opportunity to serve, to study, to work and to succeed, just like everyone else here."

Yossi Malka, CEO of the Ma'ase Center, which works to promote equality, said, "It is exciting to see how young Bedouin are breaking convention and joining the innovative program on the path to meaningful service in the IDF. 

"The pre-military preparatory academy is one link at the beginning of a comprehensive, long-term track with the goal of building a bank of leaders in the community who will help young, talented, highly motivated young people fully integrate into Israeli society."

Daniel Siryoti

Source: http://www.israelhayom.com/site/newsletter_article.php?id=38989

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