TEL AVIV (Aug. 25)
Love conquers all, even a military tribunal. Jeanette Faraj, the 19-year-old Israeli woman soldier who was arrested by military authorities after she accompanied her lover, an Austrian officer, to Kuneitra in Syrian territory, has been given a light sentence by a military court in Haifa.
She was fined IL 75 and given a three-month suspended sentence after the prosecution changed the charge against her from illegally entering an enemy country to a lesser charge, leaving the country without the Ministry of Interior’s permission.
The court acted after it considered the meaning of love citing the Bible, especially the “Song of Songs,” However, the court stressed that the light sentence should not be considered a precedent. It stressed that Israeli soldiers are forbidden to associate with UN soldiers or use UN vehicles without permission. And they cannot cross into enemy territory–even for love.
Meanwhile, Ms, Faraj’s problems are not over She is pregnant and her lover, Ernest Steinbauer, 25, is married. However, Steinbauer, who was dishonorably discharged from the Austrian army last week, arrived in Israel last week and announced he wants to marry Ms. Faraj. His wife is seeking a divorce in Vienna and he and Ms. Faraj plan to marry in Cyprus. Later, after Steinlxiuer converts to Judaism they will also have a Jewish wedding.