Disabled youths complete basic army training

Hanan Greenberg
Israel Activism/Ynet
25 July '10

Some 19 young soldiers recently completed a week of military basic training at Tzalmon base, located in northern Israel. Like all army recruits, they became accustomed to wearing a uniform, going out into the field and firing at a shooting range. However, unlike other soldiers, their recruitment cannot be taken for granted.

The young soldiers are the first to join the ranks of the IDF as part of a unique project designed for recruits that suffer from severe disabilities, which usually grants them an exemption from military service.

After many months of preparation and excitement, the IDF concluded the program successfully, and is already preparing to launch the second round.

Over the years, Commander of the Home Front Command base in Ramle, Major Ariel Almog has hosted dozens of youngsters between the ages of 18 and 30, who suffer from severe disabilities such as Down syndrome, mental retardation and hearing disabilities. The groups arrived at the base on a daily basis and were incorporated as much as possible in various missions.

"For them, it provides huge satisfaction and is a dream come true, but throughout the years I've dreamt of giving them something beyond this," Major Almog told Ynet.

(Read full story)

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