Chief Rabbi Appeals to IDF Chief of Staff to Cancel Court-Martial of Hesder Yeshiva Soldiers

Israel's Chief Rabbi, Rabbi Kalman Meir Bar, has personally appealed to the IDF Chief of Staff and the Minister of Defense to cancel the decision to court-martial soldiers from the Givati Brigade who refused an order. The soldiers reportedly refused to participate in an operational activity that required them to sit in a Namer armored personnel carrier with a female paramedic.

In his letter, Rabbi Bar emphasized the significant public implications of such a decision. He cited the principle of "common sense" and the unique "codes" of the Jewish army, which he believes should be rooted in Jewish law and tradition, not solely determined by academics or secular figures. He argued that the Torah, the foundation of Israel's right to the land, also dictates the conduct of a Jewish army.

Rabbi Bar highlighted the principle of "Your camp shall be holy," questioning the rights of religious soldiers whose way of life may conflict with certain army practices. He recalled that when the IDF was established, provisions for kosher food and Sabbath observance were made for religious soldiers, and asked why similar considerations regarding joint service are not afforded to observant soldiers who prioritize the "sanctity of the camp."

He expressed sorrow that soldiers from Hesder Yeshivas and others who enlist with the "holy purpose" of defending Israel are being judged by codes established by those "far from the Torah of Israel." The Chief Rabbi stated that court-martialing soldiers whose primary concern is maintaining the sanctity of the camp could be disastrous for the necessary integration of all soldiers in the mission. He pleaded for the decision to be reversed, urging the leaders to consider his words with a "heavy heart" and a sense of responsibility for the unity of the people of Israel.