The Israeli Public - The Most Protected in the World [Maybe the US should learn from this]

Israel Defense Forces ^ | February 12th, 2003 | IDF Spokesperson's Unit

[yonif]

February 12th, 2003

The Israeli Public - The Most Protected in the World

"Our ability to protect the Israeli public via air defense and Home Front readiness is exceptional," said today IDF Spokesperson, Brigadier General Ruth Yaron in an interview on Voice of Israel Radio.

In addition, Yaron noted that "the Home Front Command and the IDF have set up an information center for queries. The fear of the unknown is what frightens the public. I recommend that people contact their local authorities, who are well prepared and organized, with all their relevant questions."

Provide the public with all the information

There are trained IDF soldiers in the Home Front Command who can instruct the public on how to prepare for any possible threat. These soldiers visit schools all over the country and instruct the children. "The soldiers explain about the types of threats and put things into perspective," explained Yaron.

Yaron added that the Home Front Command holds seminars for school teachers so that the teachers are better prepared to answer children's questions. "The adults, teachers and counselors assist in instructing the children, and help them understand events. The media has the same responsibility, to explain the situation to the public, rather than adding to the public's anxiety," said Yaron.

"The public must be equipped with information," reiterated Yaron. She stated that the Israeli public needlessly frightens itself, and should rather carry on with its daily life. Any decisions will be made following an assessment of the situation.

In conclusion, Yaron stated that the Israeli public has the strongest staying power in the world, and that it stands steadfast faced with various threats.

[mr.pink]

Does the original article have the parenthesized insult, or was that bit of haughtiness your idea?

[yonif]

It was my addition.

[yonif]

I am referring to the informational booklets, and the like, the Israeli government is passing along to its citizens. I feel the US government should do the same.

[pawdoggie]

When the percentage of Americans killed, maimed and/or injured by terrorism in a given week, month, year equals the percentage of Israelis killed, maimed and/or injured by terrorism in the same period, then maybe we should look to the "most protected nation" for guidance.

[yonif]

Ping.

[SJackson]

Actually US financial aid wasn't a factor until after the 73 war, though Nixon certainly provided vital resupply at the time. US aid did get the Sinai back to Egypt though, and the IDF out of Lebanon, neither particularly appealing from the perspective of defending Israel.

I don't know where you get the $400 billion number from unless you're double counting, it's in the neighborhood of $85 billion.

I think the idea of instructing the population what to do in emergencies is an excellent one. FEMA does put out information but it isn't very well publicized. It can go a long was in reducing panic in the case of an unconventional attack, not to mention saving lives. I can't imagine why anyone would object to it.

[yonif]

Thank you.

[xm177e2]

Nuclear weapons, maybe?

[SJackson]

Nuclear weapons, maybe?

Not necessary.