Two fighters claim that they were prevented from accessing the selections of the elite unit because they are women • "We do not fall short of men in our abilities"
Petition: IDF discriminates in recruiting women to the Cherry unit
Photo:
Oren Cohen (photographers have no connection to the article)
Two fighters in the IDF are expected to petition the High Court tomorrow (Sunday) against the army, the defense minister and the chief of staff, demanding that they be allowed to stand as cherry fighters, just as it is possible for male fighters in their situation.
According to the two - represented by attorneys Yanor Bartenthal and Adi Klein of the Weinberger Bartentl firm - in a classified unit corresponding to the cherry unit, women are admitted to the service "but on the other hand, inexplicably, service in a similar to identical position in the IDF remains blocked for women.
"During the week of interviews in November, the boys who were dismissed with me will be differentiated into a wide range of combat roles in elite units such as KJV, Cherry and various patrols, including the Walnut unit," Levy explains, "for me, however, most of the roles will be denied.
That is because I am a woman. "
She added that "during the seven months in the seafaring course we went through many challenges and physical and mental difficulties that include long journeys, uncertainty, functioning under great pressure and more. The boys and girls underwent the exact same training. Why are we not entitled to the same options? We have proven ourselves time and time again. "In our capacity as men. Today, I am denied the right to have a meaningful public service and to contribute in the best way I can. This is discrimination on the basis of gender."
The IDF spokesman said: "The IDF has a professional team headed by the commander of the land arm, which is examining the possibility of integrating women into additional combat roles.
Once the teamwork is completed, decisions will be made on the subject.
At this time, female soldiers whose participation in the seamanship course has been discontinued are given the opportunity to be integrated into a variety of significant roles, including combat roles that now include women.
The response to the petition will be submitted to the court as usual. "