Pre-Military Academy Head Defends Religious Zionism's Role in IDF and Society
Translated & summarized from NEWSru Israel by baba
Rabbi Yigal Levinstein, head of the Bnei David pre-military academy, stated that spiritual and ideological preparation for military service is paramount, focusing on connecting recruits to Jewish history and purpose. The academy emphasizes Torah study and its graduates often pursue officer roles in the IDF. Levinstein defended religious Zionism's integration of Judaism and the state, criticized feminist agendas in the military, and discussed the religious perspective on LGBTQ+ issues, advocating for psychological support while maintaining traditional Jewish values. He believes unity lies in agreeing on dispute resolution mechanisms like elections, confident in the prophecy of a future Jewish state.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Bnei David pre-military academy head Rabbi Yigal Levinstein prioritizes spiritual preparation for IDF service.
- The academy focuses on Torah study to instill motivation and connection to Jewish history and purpose.
- Levinstein criticized radical feminist agendas in the IDF, arguing they lower professional standards.
- He views religious Zionism as uniquely integrating Judaism and the Israeli state.
- The rabbi advocated for psychological support for LGBTQ+ individuals while upholding traditional Jewish values.
- He believes Israeli unity rests on agreeing on dispute resolution, not ideological consensus.
Rabbi Yigal Levinstein, head of the Bnei David pre-military academy in Eli, emphasized the institution's focus on spiritual and ideological preparation for military service in an interview with Newsru.co.il. He stated that the academy's primary goal is to instill in young recruits a deep understanding of Jewish history and the mission of the Israeli people, arguing that this connection to their roots and purpose is the ultimate source of motivation for serving in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).
Levinstein explained that the curriculum heavily emphasizes Torah study and connecting students to their heritage, with minimal physical training. He recounted an anecdote about Dutch military attachés visiting the academy seeking to understand the source of Jewish motivation in conflict, and how he directed them to the study hall, explaining that this spiritual grounding is the core of their pre-military training. The academy, founded in 1988-1989, currently has about 300 students and is rooted in the ideology of Rabbi Kook, viewing the establishment of Israel as a fulfillment of prophecy.
The rabbi addressed the heavy losses the academy has sustained since the October 7th attacks, with over 30 students and graduates killed. He acknowledged the profound grief but framed these sacrifices as serving a greater purpose, emphasizing the importance of Jerusalem and the Jewish people's mission. He shared a story about a fallen graduate, Amishar ben David, who exemplified self-sacrifice through organ donation and his dedication to helping others, illustrating the academy's values.
Levinstein also discussed the perceived divide between religious and secular Israelis, asserting that religious Zionism uniquely integrates Judaism and the state, unlike ultra-Orthodox or secular approaches. He defended the academy's acceptance of secular students, particularly after the war, who sought to connect with their Jewish identity before enlisting. He noted that a significant percentage of graduates go on to officer training and career military service.
Addressing controversies, Levinstein pushed back against the idea that his views are rigid, distinguishing between private religious observance and public policy. He criticized the integration of radical feminist agendas into the IDF, arguing it lowers professional standards and distracts from the army's primary mission of victory. He also touched upon the issue of LGBTQ+ individuals, stating that while Judaism views homosexual acts as detrimental to life's purpose, individuals struggling with such inclinations should receive psychological support, citing examples of successful therapy leading to traditional family life.
Levinstein concluded by emphasizing that unity in Israel should be based on the agreed-upon mechanism for resolving disputes, democratic elections, rather than on complete ideological consensus. He expressed confidence in the prophecy that the state will ultimately remain Jewish, drawing parallels to historical figures like Moses who stood firm in their beliefs despite opposition.