In the late 1980s, when I first enlisted in the IDF, women in combat roles were virtually non-existent. They were relegated to support positions such as clerks or infantry instructors, with limited opportunities to serve in frontline capacities. Fast forward to the present day, and the landscape has dramatically shifted. A quarter of my PALMAR unit consists of women, who now hold diverse roles ranging from combat soldiers to combat medics, doctors, and paramedics.

Gone are the days when gender determined one’s role in the military. Today, the IDF values competence above all else, asking not if you are male or female but whether you excel at what you do. One remarkable individual in our unit exemplifies this ethos, a combat doctor who transitioned from being a paramedic in Gaza to serving as a skilled surgeon. Despite her petite stature, her steadfast fighting spirit and specialized expertise placed her at the forefront of every mission, where she stood shoulder to shoulder with her comrades.

The inclusion of female pilots in critical roles, such as flying evacuation helicopters like the Blackhawk or Sikorsky, further underscores the progress made in gender equality within the IDF. Lt. Yael Rom, a trailblazer who earned her pilot wings in 1956 and served in combat, paved the way for future generations of women to enter air combat training. The landmark ruling by the Israeli Supreme Court in 1997, following an appeal by Alice Miller to be accepted as a woman in the Israeli Air Force (IAF), affirmed the principle of equality enshrined in Israel’s Declaration of Independence, opening doors for women to excel in traditionally male-dominated spheres.

The graduation of female cadets from the IAF training course symbolizes the dedication and strength of these women who go above and beyond to serve their country. Their commitment stands in sharp contrast to the resistance faced in some sectors of the ultra-Orthodox community, who oppose national service. Drawing inspiration from the Talmudic principle of not relying on miracles but actively working to create them, these women represent the spirit of determination and service that defines the IDF.

The evolution of women’s roles in the IDF reflects a broader commitment to equality, tolerance, and inclusion, making Israel an important model on the global stage. The dedication of both men and women in safeguarding the Jewish state, epitomized by the IAF’s transformation from humble beginnings to a world-class air force, underscores the collective effort to preserve the miracle of Israel for future generations.

In the face of challenges and obstacles, these women attest to the power of perseverance, breaking barriers and defying expectations to forge a path of excellence and service. Their stories inspire us all to strive for greatness, regardless of gender, and to uphold the values of equality and unity that define the IDF and the nation it serves.

The above contains an extract from my memoir “Heroes of PALMAR, How One IDF unit Revolutionized Combat Medicine in Gaza” (Gefen:2026).  To order: https://gefenpublishing.com/product.asp?productid=3518

© The Times of Israel (Blogs)