Israel Defense Forces
The anti-Zionist Jews countering mainstream support for Israel
By Yonat Shimron — March 11, 2024
RALEIGH, N.C. (RNS) — Pro-Israel Jews have denounced anti-Zionists as antisemitic and not really Jewish. But the ranks of this group are growing, and their criticism of Israel is catching on among younger U.S. Jews.
These US citizens went to fight for Israel. Now they’re hostages in Gaza.
By Yonat Shimron — February 29, 2024
(RNS) — An estimated 23,380 American citizens currently serve in Israeli ranks. Three are now hostage in Gaza.
American Jews listen to harrowing stories of death and disarray from Israel
By Yonat Shimron — October 9, 2023
(RNS) — A daring rescue of a family that had barricaded in their home during a Hamas-led attack is one of many stories now being shared in the American Jewish community.
More Israeli ultra-Orthodox Jews buck tradition and head for the army, higher ed
By Lauren Markoe — January 17, 2018
JERUSALEM (RNS) — 'My father didn’t serve and neither did my nearly 100 cousins, not that I hold it against them,' said one ultra-Orthodox soldier.
Some rabbis fear expanding women’s roles in the Israeli army could lead to sin
By Yonat Shimron — March 23, 2017
JERUSALEM (RNS) 'They are enlisting our girls,' who emerge from the army 'non-Jewish,' said Rabbi Yigal Levenstein.
Israeli soldier’s ham sandwich nearly lands him in military prison
By Michele Chabin — June 2, 2015
JERUSALEM (RNS) In a rare apology, IDF spokesman Brig. Gen. Motti Almoz wrote on Facebook: “We were wrong. The IDF will continue to keep kosher on the one hand, but will not probe a soldier's sandwich on the other."
In Israel, biblical land-use laws call for creative workarounds
By Michele Chabin — September 30, 2014
JERUSALEM (RNS) The sabbatical-year prohibitions include sowing, planting, pruning, reaping, harvesting and improving the land. But many Jews have found loopholes and workarounds.
Israeli Christians seek integration, including army service
By Michele Chabin — March 14, 2014
HEBRON HILLS, West Bank (RNS) Christians here say but they want to be considered full citizens not only in the eyes of the law but of the people, as well. Joining in Israel's defense is one way to do that, they say.
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