Monday, August 07, 2006

Civilian vs. Military casualties

I often see how the international media refers to civilian casualties differently then military casualties. Yes, I agree, in the crazy "rules" of war, one wants to make the distinction between "legitimate" targets such, i.e. soldiers, and illegetimate targets, i.e. civilians.

This issue has been on my mind for a while now. I think it should be noted that Israeli society is extremely sensitive to the loss of life, be them civilians or soldiers. People here break apart when they hear of soldiers being killed. We lost dozens of soldiers already in the current war. My heart goes out to the families.

Maybe it's the fact that we have little choice on whether or not to become soldiers. When a young man or woman turns 18, they join the military. Compulsory military service is one of the things that make Israeli society so special. It means that when you hear of a soldier being killed, you know it could have just as easily been your son, brother, husband or father (the same goes for women, though the majority of combat soldiers are male, so I'm using the male form here).

The IDF is known as the people's army. This means not only that it's there to serve the people, but also that it is comprised from the same people that make up the nation. These soldiers are not blood-thirsty. They are not indoctrinized to be blood-thirsty either. They are regular men and women, who did not ask to fight, yet once called in, they will do anything to protect their country and will give up their life for that.

In honor of our humane and compassionate soldiers, I want to share a few pictures that I got via email today. The title of the email was "the pictures that the international media won't show you". I am dedicating these pictures to my personal soldier up in the north right now, my sweet dear man, my war hating officer, who used to give candy to Palestinian children and comfort them when performing his hateful military duties in the territories. Take care, Sweetie, stay safe and come back home soon - we miss you so much!







10 comments:

Anonymous said...

I hope your man comes home safe and stays with your family.
Please remember that every person in this conflict is somebody's son or father or mother or daughter or brother or sister... no matter how or why they got caught up.
I will be praying for you all

Anonymous said...

Beautiful photographs. I have seen the one of the soldier petting the cat before. I printed it out at work and have it posted by my monitor so I can remember our Soldiers (American and all thoes fighting for peace and the defense of freedom). I do not know that soldier's nationality, but it touched my heart. My husband was a soldier as is my brother and my step-father made a career of his military service. Along with many other members of my family. I hope that picture does remind people that our soldiers are people just like us in many cases. My prayers remain with all of Israel.

Jean said...

Hey there,
Long time !

yes, soldiers are people like everybody else, and that's why sometimes they get tender, like the photos you posted, and unfortunately, sometimes they get angry and loose their nerves.
Like we say in french, il faut de tout pour faire un monde.

Human nature is a very complexe one, and hatred and violence are often faced with more hatred and violence.

I hope your hubby get back home safely. Everybody, on both sides, must have this minimal right. Many don't.

My prayers, unlike the anonymous who posted just before me, go for all of the people on both sides.

Anonymous said...

Isn't it amazing that not many people engaged in the war are blood-thirsty creatures? Just imagine what would happen if they were. I hope your man comes home safe and you have more happy time together.

Anonymous said...

Awesome photos! Thanks for posting them. I finally got to see my nephew last nite. He came home from Iraq ~ I'm so proud of him, but yet so scared.

This is his third tour. He's in the Marines and although he's all grown up, a father, a lieutenant; I looked at him and I can't even imagine what he's seen through those beautiful green eyes of his.

I pray that you're reunited soon with your husband ~

Anonymous said...

Awesome photos! Thanks for posting them. I finally got to see my nephew last nite. He came home from Iraq ~ I'm so proud of him, but yet so scared.

This is his third tour. He's in the Marines and although he's all grown up, a father, a lieutenant; I looked at him and I can't even imagine what he's seen through those beautiful green eyes of his.

I pray that you're reunited soon with your husband ~

Anonymous said...

My name is Garrett.

I am so angry at hate!! If you have to fight fire with fire :::: fight Hate with Hate!!

All this Hezbollah and Israel confrontation is Israel defending itself from Islam. I have to take Israel's side. They are outnumbered 12 to 1 by hateful Muslim extremists.

The sad part is that there are peaceful Arabs too, and they are getting killed as are innocent Jews in Israel.

The offensive into Lebenon in justified.

Osama declared Holy Jihad in 2001.

Well Bud, you got it!!

GO ISRAEL AND THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA!!!

The USA represents every culture, every creed, every race, and everyone in the world! Our population includes everyone that wanted to escape the yuck of Europe and The Middle East.

You may think we're [USA] bullies, but we are your world representive because of our make up of all world races, classes, cultures, and religions.

It's no accident The United Nations is on American soil.

We must defeat these backward fundamentalists, and unfortunately civilians will get caught in the crossfire.

No one should be so surprised. Wars have been going on since men could stand on their hind legs.

So Israel!!! You kick those backwards Muslim bastards into submission!!

Garrett

Anonymous said...

It's
Garrett again

Check this link out :

This is Dr. Wafa Sultan. A very progressive and savvy Arab woman Psychiatrist. And she handles the clerics soundly with the TRUTH!!!!

http://switch5.castup.net/frames/20041020_MemriTV_Popup/video_480x360.asp?ai=214&ar=1050wmv&ak=null

AnneMoss said...

Wow, thanks for that link Garrett, what a lady! She really is impressive. I would rather have her as my neighbor and partner in building this region anyday, over any zealot, Muslim, Jew or Christian.

Anonymous said...

Is TCS down? I can't access it and have no one else to ask.