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Arab Muslims Serving in the IDF


(Israel Defense Forces) Pvt. Muhammad Atrash, 18, an Arab Muslim from the Galilee village of Dabburiya, stands in front of his commander in the IDF's Golani Brigade. Instead of the Hebrew Bible, the young soldier picks up a Quran and swears his allegiance to the State of Israel. His older brother, Milad, 19, enlisted a year earlier. Muhammad says that during his service he has never had to face any case of racism, nor has his older brother. However, the brothers say that their military service was not always well received back in their home village. Muhammad makes it clear that he would encourage others from his background to serve in the IDF. "It doesn't matter where they serve - contribution is the most important thing....We are guarding our country, we have to protect it and it doesn't matter who the other side is....In the end, everyone protects his or her family."
2013-06-21 00:00:00
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