Magav Girl

By Ilya Galak

In February 1955 at the airbase Hatzor an airplane “Mosquito” crashed and caught fire." Inside the plane grenades began to explode. The pilot, squadron commander Yaakov Talmon was injured and could not leave the cabin of the burning plane. In spite of the mortal danger, Sergeant Esther Arditi penetrated the cockpit and pulled the wounded pilot out. A few seconds later the plane exploded. For this feat Esther Arditi the first of all women – of the IDF soldiers was awarded the government award – medal "Ituri ha Mofet”. The list of awards states that this medal is offered "for the courage, distinguishing one to set an example”. A young woman in uniform with a machine gun in her hands – this picture, is familiar to every Israeli. In the Israeli army in all military branches are tens of thousands of women performing their civil duty alongside men.

We talk with Alina, a young woman originally from Russia, who has gone through the hell of the Israeli army. Thanks to those like her, a Jewish home exists – the state of Israel.

Alina, in what branch did you serve?

I serve in the Israel Border Police. The name in Hebrew is MAGAV (מג"ב). But, despite the name, this is not the border guards, but rather, the gendarmerie. Something very, very vaguely reminiscent of the internal forces in the Soviet Union. That is, Israel Border Police officers have the authority to police, but in cases when force is used, act as a military organization.

Editor’s note: tanned weathered guys and girls, day and night patrolling in jeeps, with a thorough knowledge of all the roads, perfectly oriented in the desert and the mountains, with abilities and a certain instinct for identifying the enemy, strong and courageous, always ready to spar with the use of weapons - the border guards are an example of the Israeli national character, combining Jewish tradition and fighting qualities of a “pioneer”.


Alina (on the left)

How many years were you in the Army?

Just like everyone else who goes through combat – 3 years.

Was it difficult?

Of course. This is the zone of combat. The battle with terror is not hearsay. When the location of weapon warehouses or places harboring terrorists becomes known, we go there and do our job.

Aren’t you afraid; after all you are a young woman?

No, I’m used to it. Certainly, there is not much that’s pleasant, when stones are being thrown at you. There were attacks right where we were stationed. But all this only made us stronger, yes and adrenaline made its presence known.

In the recent years, as far as I know, the soldiers received strict orders: "Do not shoot!" Hold still, let the stone fly at you, and you stop, as it may miss. Motivation is lost, but this is the army. The soldier must fight or not have any contact with the enemy. If he meets one on one with the enemy, he must show himself as a soldier. What do you think about this?

As they say probably in all the armies of the world - orders are not up for discussion. We have clear instructions, which we observe.

Young girls - future mothers must always wear a heavy bulletproof vest, dozens of kilograms of equipment. Psychological stresses. After all, all this must take a toll on the health.

But what can you do? Someone has to protect our country.


Alina (center)

By the way, regarding protection of the country. Are there many religious Jews in the army?

Those, who we have become accustomed to consider religious, in other words orthodox – no, not many.
But there are some. In combat units, and in support. But again, these are the few who have expressed a desire to defend the country. They do have exemption from military service. Meanwhile in the realm of political life the Orthodox are actively involved - and this is putting it mildly. Of course, it is a little insulting – normal guys risk their own lives to fight a real war, then, they return to "civilian" life, work hard to earn and feed the family, yet these – get everything served on a silver platter... But maybe this is how it should be. And it is I who misunderstood something.

Alina, was there any political debate within the army? Have political studies been introduced? Was any sort of propaganda conducted?

Absolutely not. Moreover - the political debate in the army is absolutely not encouraged. Different people may have different opinions. But I must say that everyone understands the necessity of defending the homeland against its enemies, including those from within.

It seems to me the entire policy of the Israeli government in recent years has demonstrated its weakness toward the terrorists, and it is the terrorists’ logic, that if the Jews demonstrate weakness, then they must demonstrate strength. The Jews either retreated or gently fired intermittently, but immediately various leftist parties and organizations branded Israel a disgrace, while supporting the Arabs. Why is this happening? Who are these people?

No answer. The reason - political correctness.

Alina, how does your mother’s feel regarding your service in combat?

Ilya, no Jewish mother wants her child risking their lives. NOT ONE! Israel was built by Jewish mothers and fathers. Henry Kissenzher kissed the hand Golda Meir and in the process said that it is not the hand of the prime – minister he’s kissing, but that of a JEWISH MOTHER. Well, we do not need this damned war. I think this answers your question.

Alina, where do you work now?

I am a guard in a court . For this job combat experience is a required.

Interesting. This is the wrong side of Israeli society. And who, basically, are the prisoners?

The answer is omitted. The reason - political correctness.

Future plans?

I plan to continue working and studying to become a psychologist. And, naturally, from time to time, perform military duties. Although, I hope that someday the need for the latter no longer exists.


Alina in the Pocono Mountains (PA) January 1, 2010. She, like all other Israeli Jews, wants to live in peace and tranquility