Border Police Marks 30 Years of Female Combatants

Israel's Border Police (Magav) recently held a ceremony to commemorate three decades since the integration of female combat soldiers. The revolution began 30 years ago with 26 women who volunteered for the first combat unit, paving the way for future generations. Today, women serve in nearly all Border Police roles, comprising approximately 45% of recruits in combat training.

The commemoration ceremony took place at the Border Police memorial and was attended by National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, Police Commissioner Danny Levi, Border Police Commander Yaakov Shabtai, former commanders, current and past female combatants and commanders, bereaved families, and wounded officers. The event also included a special memorial for 17 female Border Police officers who fell in the line of duty over the past 30 years.

A particularly emotional moment occurred when a lone female Border Police combatant, who immigrated from Spain to serve, was surprised on stage by her father, who had traveled from Spain specifically to see her. They were reunited before the assembled guests.

Minister Ben-Gvir stated in his speech, "I believe in strengthening women through actions, not words or slogans." He added, "30 years of strength, heroism, and dedication. Thank you, combatants, for the nights, the Saturdays, and the self-sacrifice. You are on the front lines, and you are there on behalf of all of us."

Border Police Commander Yitzhak Barik remarked, "Thirty years ago, you, who are sitting here before me, were the first pioneers who opened a door and a gate. Today, there is no door or gate that you, the future generation, do not pass through." Three decades after the first 26 female combatants broke the barrier, Border Police combatants and commanders continue to operate on the front lines, commanding and protecting Israeli citizens.