There’s Simply No Room for Misogyny in 2023
Ma’ariv, Israel, June 11
Sgt. Lia Ben Nun, Staff Sgt. Ohad Dahan, and Staff Sgt. Ori Yitzhak Iluz were tragically killed in a terror attack on the Israeli-Egyptian border one week ago. An Egyptian terrorist wearing the uniform of a police officer undermined the calm in a region known as the “border of peace.” Consequently, these beloved soldiers lost their lives, leaving three forever-altered families in their wake. It’s not uncommon after difficult and traumatic events of this kind, to see certain public figures emerge and claim to be authorities on what transpired on the ground. Hillel Biton Rosen, Channel 14’s military and security correspondent, is one such figure. He hypothesized that the killing of two of the soldiers, who stood guard in the same patrol station, had something to do with the two being of opposite sexes. This is a viewpoint that I find challenging to comprehend. In 2023, Israel is making progress, albeit slowly, toward an equitable and just society. It is unreasonable to assume that there is anything wrong with mixed-gender service when our daily lives are composed of environments where both men and women work side by side. I have spent my life, including my military and reserve service, in a diverse environment consisting of men and women. The army prepares people to engage with individuals from all walks of life, even if this doesn’t necessarily align with their upbringing. Everyone has a role to play in protecting their nation, regardless of their gender. Women have the same right to protect their country as men—from the desert of the Egyptian border to the rainy streets of Tel Aviv. The combination of men and women in the IDF works together to create a mix of opinions, styles of thought, and strategies of action. This harmony ultimately leads to increased sharpness and skill. So, no, these statements against women are not legitimate. Female soldiers serve alongside men, just as women and men earn a living together and share the same space in the state’s education system. Such misogyny should not be tolerated if we want Israel to remain an advanced, developed, and modern country. We should remember our relatives, neighbors, and daughters in uniform, and express our gratitude toward the enthusiastic 18-year-olds who defend our country with commitment, regardless of their gender, religion, or background. We should embrace the individuals who make up this diverse nation and not let anyone reduce their value or worth simply because of their gender. —Michal Kadosh (translated by Asaf Zilberfarb)
