Retired Aircrew Members Express Support for Pilots in Reserve Service Protest
Hundreds of retired aircrew men and women in active reserve service have united to show their support for the pilots amidst the ongoing protests. In a letter signed by these retired officers, they pledged their unwavering support for any protest actions carried out by the active reserve group, including the immediate suspension of volunteering.
The letter, which was made public yesterday, emphasized the retired aircrew members’ close familiarity with the implications of an active flight suspension. It read, “We will support, without reservation, any of your protest actions, including the immediate suspension of volunteering.” This statement comes as a strong show of solidarity with the pilots currently engaged in protests against a recently proposed law.
The law in question, approved in the first reading by the Knesset on Tuesday, July 11, 2023, has raised concerns among the retired officers. They argue that its provisions would significantly undermine the legal system in Israel, expanding the scope of the government’s decision-making powers excessively, with no possibility of judicial review.
The retired aircrew members highlight the dangers posed by this law, stating, “When government decisions cannot be reviewed reasonably by the court, one of the pillars of democracy in Israel immediately collapses, and a direct path opens to a governing space called a dictatorship.” They assert that in such a space, the public, businesses, and private entities, as well as ordinary citizens, would have no means to rectify injustices caused by unreasonable government decisions.
In their demand to preserve a democratic and Jewish state, the retired officers urge the government to halt the approval process of the law in the Knesset. They call for its cancellation and emphasize the importance of not proceeding with a second or third reading.
The protest action led by the pilots has gained momentum in recent days, with more retired and active reserve members lending their support. As the movement grows, another senior lieutenant colonel in the Air Force, a flight instructor at the school, announced his decision to end his reserve service. Additionally, over 400 active airmen in the reserves gathered in Bnei Brak to discuss the implications of the proposed law.
Significantly, the letter of support from retired aircrew members bears the names of prominent figures, including the former Chief of Staff, Lt. Col. Dan Halutz, former head of the AMN, Major General Amos Yedlin, Lt. Col. (Ret.) Amir the Wise, and several other notable individuals.
As the turmoil surrounding the proposed law continues, the solidarity demonstrated by retired aircrew members highlights the grave concerns shared by many within the aviation community. The pilots’ protest actions, now bolstered by the support of their retired comrades, aim to assert the importance of upholding democratic values while safeguarding the rights of the citizens of Israel.