The Israeli Defense Forces. Many in our group have talked about the need to be sympathetic and understanding to the soldiers. These are kids. Little boys. Little 18 year old boys and girls who are walking around, and feel the power of their M-16s slung over their shoulders. So, there is a certain amount of sympathy that we should try and direct toward these soldiers…
But at the same time, it’s hard when we see the way they treat Palestinian youth, adults and the way they have no problems disregarding international law and basic human rights. So, it was quite ironic to me when I ran across their website today, especially the section on Ethics. Here are some of the things that I feel the IDF soldiers need to re-read and have help understanding (all direct quotes from the website):
- Human Dignity – The IDF and its soldiers are obligated to protect human dignity. Every human being is of value regardless of his or her origin, religion, nationality, gender, status or position.
- Universal moral values based on the value and dignity of human life.
- Human Life – The IDF servicemen and women will act in a judicious and safe manner in all they do, out of recognition of the supreme value of human life. During combat they will endanger themselves and their comrades only to the extent required to carry out their mission.
- Purity of Arms – The IDF servicemen and women will use their weapons and force only for the purpose of their mission, only to the necessary extent and will maintain their humanity even during combat. IDF soldiers will not use their weapons and force to harm human beings who are not combatants or prisoners of war, and will do all in their power to avoid causing harm to their lives, bodies, dignity and property.
Wow.
