The fundraising project is really an expression of protest against how the extremely strict ethical standards of the IDF can also cause the country to abandon its fighters
Elor Azaria murderer or soldier hero?
Reporter and radio personality Sharon Gal smiles with satisfaction as he follows the numbers on his computer screen — the donations for his initiative are still rolling in. Between interviews the former MK (he served in Yisrael Beiteinu’s list for just six months before returning to the broadcasting studio) has also become the public relations agent for the family of Elor Azaria currently on trial in military court in Jaffa on manslaughter charges for killing an already neutralized Arab terrorist who minutes before had stabbed a soldier.
“Elor’s trial has created tremendous repercussions” says Gal “because the public feels like it can no longer be quiet. The fundraising project is really an expression of protest against how the extremely strict ethical standards of the IDF can also cause the country to abandon its fighters. Placing Azaria on trial for manslaughter conveys weakness to Israel’s enemies and weakens the IDF’s deterrence. In my opinion the public is fed up and that’s why Elor and his parents have captured hearts in this storm.”
Gal founded a nonprofit organization for the defense of IDF soldiers facing such legal battles and even organized a support rally in Tel Aviv’s Rabin Square but although he seemed to have public opinion on his side the funds weren’t coming in — until he decided to launch a crowd-funding initiative.
Gal was actually caught off guard by the unexpected overflow response. He’s already 180000 shekels (about $45000) over the 400000 shekel target needed for Azaria’s defense. All excess monies are being put away in a fund for other soldiers who may one day find themselves in the same legal predicament.
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