Army Radio cornerstone laid in Jerusalem
Defense Minister Avigdor Liberman laid the cornerstone for the new permanent headquarters of Army Radio in Jerusalem on Thursday, at a festive ceremony attended by General Director of the Ministry of Defense Maj. Gen. (res.) Udi Adam, Chief of Staff, Major General Moti Almoz, and Army Radio Commander, Shimon Elkabetz.
“There was a lot of debate about whether an army even needs a radio station,” said Liberman. “This ceremony is a sign that all the arguments are behind us. I’m positive that Jerusalem, the capital of Israel will provide special inspiration to Army Radio [and] will always enjoy public confidence.”
“It’s not only going to be Army Radio’s permanent residence,” Liberman added, saying that the 7,000 sq.m. complex will house the new Soldiers’ Residence, a home for haredi (ultra-Orthodox) soldiers, and the new IDF recruitment office. “There will be a large representation of the IDF and the Ministry of Defense here in the capital of Israel, and I am sure that this house will be a warm home for everyone.”
The compound is scheduled to be built within three years. Work on the compound will be led by the Defense Ministry’s Engineering and Construction Department. It will include studios for Army Radio, known in Hebrew as “Galei Tzahal,” and its sister music station, Galgalatz, as well as the digital broadcasting system.
Army Radio began in 1950, after taking over the Hagana’s broadcasts.
In honor of the occasion, the station is holding a special broadcast from Jerusalem.
Anna Ahronheim contributed to this report.