IDF Rabbi Instructs Soldiers to Attend Ceremony Despite Female Singing
Translated & summarized from Arutz Sheva by baba
The Rabbi of the Bahad instructed Golani Brigade soldiers they cannot miss a memorial ceremony due to female singing, suggesting they lower their heads if uncomfortable. The directive, citing joint service regulations, drew sharp criticism from wives of religious soldiers who demanded an investigation and punishment. Defense Minister Israel Katz and Chief Rabbi Eyal Karim were called upon to intervene in the matter.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Golani Brigade soldiers were told they cannot skip a ceremony due to female singing.
- The directive suggested soldiers uncomfortable with female singing could lower their heads.
- Wives of religious soldiers strongly criticized the instruction as an attack on their way of life.
- The soldiers' wives demanded an investigation and punishment for those responsible.
- Defense Minister Israel Katz and Chief Rabbi Eyal Karim were urged to intervene.
The Rabbi of the Bahad (Officer Training School) informed soldiers in the Golani Brigade that they cannot be absent from a memorial ceremony due to female singing, citing joint service regulations. The rabbi, identified as Rabbi Levi, suggested that soldiers for whom this is difficult could lower their heads during the singing. The directive came ahead of a ceremony held on Wednesday to commemorate fallen soldiers.
Rabbi Levi's message stated that while female singing was expected, absence from state ceremonies is not permitted based on joint service orders, regardless of religious observance. He urged all soldiers to respect the ceremony, emphasizing unity and mutual respect, especially during these times. He concluded with a prayer for Israeli unity and good tidings.
The instruction sparked strong criticism from the wives of combat soldiers, associated with the organization "Hotam," who argued it infringes upon the way of life for observant soldiers. They questioned the perceived attack on religious soldiers' way of life and the erosion of the IDF's Jewish character, attributing it to progressive values they believe have weakened the military.
The organization demanded intervention from senior defense officials and the Military Rabbinate. They called on Defense Minister Israel Katz to intervene and protect the soldiers, and on the Chief Rabbi of the IDF, Brig. Gen. Rabbi Eyal Karim, to investigate the incident and punish those responsible.
Mentioned
