Tal-Sarah the ‘Tankistit’ and the Fighting Females of the IDF

Tal-Sarah, a young soldier in my PALMAR (combat medical extraction unit), is a symbol of bravery and determination, having made history as part of the first all-female tank crew to engage in active combat. Her actions on October 7, 2023, were nothing short of extraordinary. She and her fellow female crew members, successfully plugged a hole in the breached border fence , saved a kibbutz, and fought tirelessly against Hamas terrorists for an astonishing eighteen hours!

Despite the fame and recognition that followed their heroic actions, Tal-Sarah remains humble and soft-spoken, with a fire in her eyes and a strong spirit. Reflecting on the events of that fateful day, she recalls the overwhelming sense of duty that drove her to defend the State of Israel and its citizens. The supportive messages and international attention that followed only served to highlight the impact of their bravery and selflessness.

In a moment of respite during the intense battle, Tal-Sarah took the opportunity to phone home, expressing her love for her family in a moment of uncertainty and fear. Facing death head-on, she emerged victorious alongside her crew, a testament to her strength and courage. During an interview with me, she recalled that

I never expected to be a hero and to fight overwhelming amounts of terrorists. Only after the event, when I thought of it, did I realize how we made history. We received hundreds of supportive messages from people we saved, and indeed from all over the world. We have been interviewed by mainstream media from many international outlets. I don’t believe we did anything extraordinary; we just did our duty to defend the State of Israel and its citizens.

Looking toward the future, Tal-Sarah hopes to join a newly established all-female reserve tank crew unit, confirming her steadfast commitment to serving her country and making a difference on the front lines.

The Evolution of Women’s Roles in the IDF

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.

A 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.  Tal Sarah and these young women are heroes and are role models for other young women of the world!

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The above is an extract from my forthcoming book “Heroes of PALMAR, How One IDF unit revolutionised Combat Medicine in Gaza” to be published soon by Gefen Publishing.