zdad – I may agree with you in theory but in this case I don’t agree at all. I wanted desperately to move to Israel and had plans to do so for years. I have been blessed with seven sons and didn’t think I could handle even the thought of sending them to the army (emotionally, not even speaking ideology here). Ultimately, that had nothing to do with why we did not move but it was seriously on my mind, not knowing if my children would be full time learners or where their paths would take them.
Although I am free from that dilemma in regard to my own kids, I have many relatives and friends who have children in the army and I find it no easier. I cringe at every announcement of an injury and if we could have no army at all (no need for one) I would dance with joy. Yes, it is easier to let others do you “dirty work”, but these “others” are Jews who are putting themselves at physical and sometimes spiritual risk and I feel no comfort from that.