First Christian Arab Woman Combat Soldier in IDF

The Fellowship  |  July 6, 2018

Elinor Joseph

Age: 27

Known for: An Israeli Christian, Joseph is the first Arab woman to serve in a combat role in the IDF.

About her: Born in 1991 to a Christian family in the village of Jish, Elinor grew up in an Arab neighborhood in Haifa. Encouraged by her father to join the IDF — which was not required, as she is an Israeli-Arab — Elinor did so after graduating high school.

Before enlisting, Elinor dreamed of serving as an IDF combat medic. But upon arriving at the IDF recruitment base, she was informed that she would serve as an office clerk. Elinor followed her dream, however, and her colonel made her a deal — if she was selected as an outstanding trainee after completing basic training, she could continue with the medic training course.

Elinor completed basic training as the outstanding trainee of her platoon. After this, she then completed medic training and was awarded her medic’s pin by her commander.

In her first role, Elinor was stationed at a border crossing, where she was able to help translate between soldiers and local residents. Then Elinor was transferred to the Caracal Battalion in the western Negev Desert, where she is the first Arab woman to serve in an IDF combat unit. We salute this young woman who has given all of herself to serve her country and all of its people.