Corporal Mustafa Tabash (IDF)
The first Bedouin in Israel’s Armored Tank Corps just completed his training to become the first Bedouin tank commander.
“The course was difficult,” 19-year-old Corporal Mustafa Tabash said. “It involved being in the field a lot, and showering once a week,” he said. “We do everything with a smile and encourage one another.” (JPost)
Tabash said it was marvelous not only to have the opportunity to shine and show off his abilities, but to be an example for Jewish soldiers.
“When it’s hard for the other soldiers, they look at me, who as a Bedouin did not have to enlist, and this helps them and sets an example,” he said.
“We [the four-man crew] sleep and work together in this tank and look out for one another. We’re more than brothers,” he said.
Tabash said that being in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) is helping him to integrate into Israeli society.
“My parents were proud of me when I enlisted,” he said.
