Israeli soldier arrested for yawning
Over the past week, Israel has hosted many services, speeches and events in honor of former Prime Minister Yitzak Rabin. The national hero and Nobel Peace Prize recipient was assassinated 13 years ago by Yigal Amir, a Jewish extremist who opposed Rabin’s peacemaking work. Israel’s top politicians used the occasion to highlight messages of peace. ...
Over the past week, Israel has hosted many services, speeches and events in honor of former Prime Minister Yitzak Rabin. The national hero and Nobel Peace Prize recipient was assassinated 13 years ago by Yigal Amir, a Jewish extremist who opposed Rabin's peacemaking work.
Over the past week, Israel has hosted many services, speeches and events in honor of former Prime Minister Yitzak Rabin. The national hero and Nobel Peace Prize recipient was assassinated 13 years ago by Yigal Amir, a Jewish extremist who opposed Rabin’s peacemaking work.
Israel’s top politicians used the occasion to highlight messages of peace. One Israeli soldier, however, appeared to be less than riveted while attending a memorial ceremony earlier this week, showing his lack of interest with what his Air Force base commander deemed a "disrespectful act": a yawn. Apparently, he didn’t even cover his mouth.
The faux pas came during the commander’s own remarks. So loud and disruptive was this yawn that the commander paused for a "few minutes." This display of disinterest earned the soldier 21 days in jail.
But does the punishment fit the yawn?
The soldier’s mother doesn’t think so. The woman recounted the episode to Israel Radio, saying that she’d raised her son on Rabin’s legacy and that he wasn’t being disrespectful, he was merely tired.
But, if Rabin’s memory impresses any lessons on those in the company of our boorish yawner, especially now as elections approach and peace negotiations hang in the balance, perhaps it’s that peace requires superhuman energy and staying power.
Rest up, Israel. There’s much work ahead.
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