Israeli Reservists Forced to Pay for Food After Refusing Military Kashrut Supervisors

Reservists serving in the West Bank were required to pay out of pocket for dairy and vegetable products for two months after the military rabbinate halted their supply. The brigade rabbinate stopped delivering these products because several companies refused to bring kashrut supervisors to the base, who would receive reserve duty pay at the soldiers' expense. One company commander explained that although nearly half the company keeps kosher, the rabbi suddenly mandated supervisors at the company outpost, forcing soldiers to collect money just to have coffee in the morning.

The IDF stated that the battalion lacked enough kashrut supervisors, preventing the supply of supervised products as per regulations. The issue is under review by commanders, and immediate food substitutes were provided to the soldiers, with all gaps addressed.

Separately, last week it was reported that seven combat engineering soldiers have been detained for over a month and a half, accused of severe abuse against younger soldiers. The indictments describe a pattern of physical and psychological violence, systematic humiliation, and health damage over a prolonged period, referred to as "Pazm games" within the company. The younger soldiers were subjected to unofficial company rules forbidding complaints or questions, with violations leading to violent punishment.

The charges detail numerous abuses, including beatings and whipping with weapon parts for minor infractions like unclean toilets. Some victims suffered bruises and back injuries but avoided seeking medical help out of fear of further violence. This case highlights ongoing issues of abuse within IDF units alongside the recent food supply controversy.