Arab association to recruit for National Service

An Arab association will recruit Jewish, Arab volunteers for Sherut Leumi, for the first time ever in Israel. Volunteers will be eligible for same benefits as IDF soldiers
David Regev
Ynetnews.com 05.28.07, 12:07
In an unprecedented decision, Social Affairs Minister Isaac Herzog certified Sunday the "Association for Social Equality and National Service for Arabs" to recruit Jewish and Arab volunteers for Sherut Leumi (the National Service).
Many of those unable to serve in the Israeli army choose to join Sherut Leumi. Recruits, including Arabs, and religious men and women, volunteer for a two-year service, making them eligible for all the benefits reserved for IDF soldiers.

Nowadays, Sherut Leumi has some 10,000 volunteers in its ranks, 400 of them of Arabs.

The new association's activities were approved after careful examination by the ministry of social affairs.

"This association has a great challenge ahead of it," said Herzog Sunday. "This is an important step in integrating all sectors of Israeli society."

"This is a big opportunity for us to become a real part of Israeli society," said Ataf al-Krenawi, the association's chairman.

The Association stands to enjoy the same license as any of the other recognized volunteers associations, and plans to offer those who join it their choice of placement, be it in hospitals, public facilities etc.