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In many parts of the Israeli army women are allowed - only the most prominent are barred from them (archive photo)
Photo: MENAHEM KAHANA / AFP
Gali Nishri had been preparing for the application for years.
She started training in the ninth grade: every day Nishri ran for hours through sand dunes, scratching for miles.
So she wanted to pass the entrance test for the combat swimmers, an elite unit of the Israeli army.
"All the men in my family did their military service there," says Nishri.
"It was clear to me that I would serve there too."
No access for women
But Nishri found that her training had been in vain.
"When I wanted to apply in 12th grade, I was told it wouldn't work," says Nishri.
"I am a woman - and women are not allowed in the combat swimmers."
Military service is compulsory for both sexes in Israel.
Men must serve two and a half years and women two.
While army time is seen as an annoying evil in many countries, it is often an opportunity in Israel.
If you make it into a respected unit, you will also have good cards in your job later on.
Being able to do your military service in an elite unit is considered an honor.
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