yesterday (sunday) i met two israeli soldiers -- shir and donna -- boisterous, happy young women (20 and 19, respectively) eager for a photo shoot. i asked them what they think about israel's policy of conscription and, while they were not excited about joining originally (though they never considered refusing to serve), shir stated that this is "something we have to do because of 'the situation.' " she went on to say that it is necessary because there are "too many palestinians who do not want israel to exist." both girls said they like the IDF because it has allowed them to make so many wonderful friends. shir feels that the portrayal of the IDF in the western media depicts israelis as bad people and that it is spreading "lies all lies" -- "this is a beautiful country. i love her and i will do anything, anything, for her." donna was more playful about what serving in the military meant for her and spoke of her friends and the camaraderie she has with them. as she talked, it was as though she were describing a giant social club one would belong to while attending college. they seemed so young and carefree, despite the weapons slung over their shoulders.
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