You're In The Army Now

TIE BAGG11Sn'
COLLECTION

A new Web site offers a fascinating glimpse
into an Israeli "institution.

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MARK LICHTERMAN STAFF WRITER

The remainder of this new
The next major section fea-
wo recently posted
site is under construction (still in
tures detailed, graphically sup-
Web sites provide a
development). Nonetheless, the
ported information about the
sophisticated and in-
information already available of-
IDF's structure. From the chief
teresting picture of
fers a clear and detailed picture
of the general staff to the names
two of the major "institutions"
of this venerable institution.
of each of the field units, it's all
in modem Israeli life: the Israel
The Israeli appetite for things
here.
Defense Forces (IDF) and an ap-
western, particularly Ameri-
petite for Western culture,
can, is at least partially being
American music in particular.
fed by a relatively new com-
The IDF, known in Israel by
mercial radio station
its Hebrew acronym Tzahal
broadcasting to north Tel Aviv
(Tzava Haganah EYisroel) has
and its suburbs in the
for obvious reasons been the
Sharon Valley. Simply by
preeminent institution in Israel
downloading the Real Audio
Every
member
of
the
IDF,
of
since its creation in 1948. Any-
Player, the Internet user can
course, wears multiple insignia
one with even a vague under-
listen
to the live broadcasts of •
indicating
rank
and
unit
affilia-
standing of life in the Jewish
this station. Found at
tion. The next section of the site
state appreciates the centrality
http://wwvv.100fm. co.i1/,
includes
the
names
and
pictures
of the army. Its new Web site, at
"Radios 100FM" provides an
of every badge and patch, and
http://www.israel-mfa.gov.i1/
interesting
insight, formerly
even
shows
where
on
the
uni-
idf/ will, if you spend the time,
available only to the traveler,
form they are worn.
provide a comprehensive and
into
just how "like us" Israel
Finally,
and
most
important,
sophisticated look at the history,
has become. The station broad-
the site contains the full text of
structure, insignia, ethics, unit
casts exclusively in Hebrew, so
Ethical
Code
of
the
IDE.
the
names and security doctrine of
if you don't speak the language
This detailed code of conduct
the IDE
bring a friend who does to your
states
that
the
IDF
draws
its
val-
The main page of the site has
computer.
ues and basic principles from
an easy-to-use guide to such ar-
The format struck me as sort
three
traditions:
eas as mission, history, struc-
of an interesting combination of
ture, insignia, ethics, fact sheets,
1. The tradition of the Jewish
a soft rock station and WJR
links, units, security doctrine
people throughout its history.
I admit that I was equally in-
and announcements.
terested
by the transformation
The history section comprises
2. The tradition of the State of
in Israeli culture that this station
two articles. The first, and
Israel, its democratic principles,
represents. I was amused by the
longest, provides a detailed, 10-
laws and institutions.
fact that I could sit at my com-
part analysis of each of the ma-
The
tradition
of
the
IDF
and
3.
puter late one night in suburban
jor military events in the history
its
military
heritage.
Detroit, listening to live traffic
of Israel, from the War of Inde-
goes
on
to
provide
The
Code
reports
from seven time zones
pendence through the changes
each
soldier
with
a
detailed
away in Tel Aviv. ❑
being brought about by the cur-
guide
for
his
or
her
behavior.
rent peace process.
Mark Lichterman lives in Huntington Woods with his wife Susan and their two children Yossi, 6 and
Allie, 3. You can reach him online at marksus@mci2000.com .

T

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