‘R’ already had financial troubles when he enlisted into the IDF about four years ago. He entered a combat unit.

A number of months later he requested to be moved to a different unit to permit him to work part-time, explaining his need to earn additional money. Over the years, his debts increased until he began receiving threats from persons he borrowed money from.

He found himself in a military prison for two weeks and when released, he fled to the United States. Family members explained to Channel 2 News he owes money to loan sharks and fled the country fearing for his life.

He began working abroad and has begun paying off debts and has since married and has two children. About eight months ago, he returned to Israel to return the money he still owes. However, having fled while in the IDF, he was immediately taken into custody by military police. He has since been indicted for being AWOL and awaits a trial date. He has been imprisoned already for over 45 days.

The military court has rachmanus on him and after hearing the details of the case, it was decided to suffice with ‘time served’ and he was reduced to the rank of private.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)