Book Opener

IsraelIf you’re almost 18 in the United States, you might be preparing for college oryour first real job. Perhaps you’re even thinking about taking some time off to travel.If you were a resident of Israel, you’d be getting ready to serve in the Israel DefenseForces (IDF). Since Israel’s birth as a nation in 1948, the IDF has been described asthe army of the people—a melting pot of young and old, privileged and poor,native Israelis and immigrants. On the other hand, Israel’s regular army is primarilycomposed of conscripts, or draftees, and a large reserve force.Required service in the IDF is three years for most Israeli men. After completingthis requirement, men generally go on to serve in the reserves until their 40s.Although exempt from combat, women serve in the army for almost two years. Israelis the only country in the world that mandates service for women. Because of agrowing population and more specialized defense needs, some Israelis think avolunteer army might better serve the country. Many believe, however, that the IDF’straditions are a common denominator among the people. The IDF “looks forward tothe challenges of the future, strengthened by the past,” explains a militaryspokesperson. Here’s a snapshot of Israel.Geographical area 8,019 sq. milesPopulation 6,029,529CapitalJerusalemLegal systemMix of English common law,British Mandate regulations,and Jewish legal systemLanguageHebrew, Arabic, EnglishReligion80% JewishLife expectancy 79 yearsCritical Thinking Question List both positive and negative effects of compulsorymilitary service. If the United States reestablished the draft, would you be willing toserve? For more information on Israel, visit ubpl.glencoe.com or your local library.Example 9. Evelyn Siegel, a minor, gave a $350 personal checkto Max Horvitz in payment for a second-hand motorbike. Sheused the vehicle for one day, decided she didn’t want it, andstopped payment on her check. Two days after Evelyn hadstopped payment on her check, Max indorsed and cashed it atChapter 25: Transferring Negotiable Instruments 551