The approximately 60 volunteers who for the past years have been a part of the Etgar Unit in Israel Police thought that when they were asked to bring in all of their equipment it was for a periodic inspection and upgrade. In actuality, they received certificates of recognition for their years of service, and at the same time, their equipment was taken and they were informed that they are no longer needed.

The Etgar unit was established in 2006, composed of 45 paid policemen and 60 volunteers. The unit is involved in addressing car thefts, realizing that while they have managed to reduce the number of cars stolen annually, the number in 2008 was still an alarming 25,615, about 71 stolen cars a day.

Volunteers are shocked and angered, explaining they have given years of dedicated service and question the decision which was thrust on them without warning or explanation.

The unit’s commander, Yehuda Atar, explained to the press that the unit’s operations have changed, and during the day, when volunteers are at work, they are operating inside the Green Line but during the evening hours, when volunteers assist, they are in PA areas and the volunteers do not have insurance to operate in those areas. Atar went on to praise their work and dedication.

Contradicting Atar, Yisrael HaYom quoting a “senior Israel Police officer” stated the unit never operates in PA areas and do not, only along the seamline where the insurance is not at all an issue. He labeled them as “quality volunteers”, seemingly unable to understand the decision.

Another officer stated volunteers have energy and drive and perhaps, the fulltime members of the unit lack both.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)