Reservist Commander's Wife Criticizes IDF Family Retreat for Lack of Religious Accommodations

A wife of an Israeli reservist commander expressed disappointment after attending a military-organized family retreat, highlighting the absence of separate swimming hours for religious participants, non-kosher meat options, and activities conflicting with Sabbath observance. She noted that about 80% of the families at the retreat were religious Zionists, yet the event failed to accommodate their needs for modesty, kashrut, and Sabbath observance. For example, the swimming pool was mixed gender with no separate hours, and meals included non-kosher meat despite the IDF's usual provision of kosher food to soldiers. Additionally, children’s performances involved Sabbath desecration, putting religious families in uncomfortable positions.

The woman shared that she had to repeatedly fetch food and drinks for her family to avoid the mixed-gender pool area, which featured water slides attracting children. She criticized the lack of consideration, comparing it to accommodations made for disabled individuals, and called for the IDF to recognize the significant presence of religious soldiers and their families by providing appropriate facilities and activities. She also revealed that other women privately supported her outspokenness but feared raising these issues publicly.

She concluded that the problem stems from a mentality of subservience within the system and suggested that releasing this mindset could lead to positive changes in the IDF's approach to religious soldiers. Her call is for an army that respects Judaism and the needs of observant Jews, reflecting the demographic reality of many reservists and their families.