Gershoig to remain in prison till October 19

SYDNEY’S Natalie Gershoig will remain in an Israeli military prison until at least October 19 for allegedly dodging the military draft.

A spokesperson from the IDF spoke exclusively to The AJN and said that Gershoig had been arrested due to her “suspected absence without leave from mandatory military service of over nine years”.

Gershoig, now 27, left Israel and attended Yeshiva College in Sydney, but it is alleged that she began the IDF recruitment process, and received her letter to join the army, before she left Israel.

“It was also found that she was permitted to leave the country for a specified period of time; however, she continued staying abroad without permission,” the IDF spokesperson said.

A military prosecutor presented an indictment against her on the offence of truancy in a military court on Tuesday and asked the court to imprison her until the verdict.

She will remain in a military prison until October 19 while lawyers and prosecutors try and come to a resolution as the case progresses through court.

Australia’s Ambassador to Israel Dave Sharma said that the embassy is helping as much as possible.

“The embassy is in touch with the woman and her family, and is providing consular support, including attending her court hearings,” Sharma said.

A spokesperson from Israel’s embassy in Australia said that Israeli citizenship involves many rights and responsibilities, including the duty of all citizens over 18 to contribute to the defence of their nation.

“Like all laws, there are reasonable exemptions, and the authorities in Israel are presently investigating the circumstances of this particular case,” the spokesperson said.

“We regret any discomfort Ms Gershoig may experience while her case is being deliberated, and hope it will be resolved shortly.”

JOSHUA LEVI AND NATHAN JEFFAY