Chief Rabbi: The code of conduct in the IDF was determined by people far from the Torah of Israel
Chief Rabbi Kalman Meir Bar spoke out against the decision to prosecute soldiers for alleged insubordination and argued that their right to maintain their way of life must be considered. "How unfortunate that those who absorbed their culture from a foreign culture and are far from the Torah of Israel determined the codes," he stated.
Chief Rabbi of Israel, Rabbi Kalman Meir Bar, addressed a sharp letter to the IDF Chief of Staff and the Minister of Defense demanding the cancellation of the decision to prosecute Givati soldiers for alleged insubordination. In his letter, he argued that the implications of the decision for religious soldiers and their integration into the IDF must be taken into account.
"When we come to discuss an issue that has great public resonance, in my humble opinion, we must also add to the considerations the consequences that this decision might have," wrote Rabbi Bar.
According to him, alongside the rules and orders, there exists what he called the "fifth Shulchan Aruch," considerations that are not written in the law books but are mandated by common sense.
The Chief Rabbi criticized the codes regulating conduct in the IDF, arguing that some of them were determined by academics and intellectuals who are not military personnel. He emphasized principles established by Halacha for the conduct of a Jewish army, first and foremost, "And your camp shall be holy."
"Where have the rights of the religious soldier disappeared to, when certain phenomena contradict his way of life? Does he not have the right to serve because of his worldview that prevents him from doing everything?" he wrote.
Rabbi Bar recalled that since the establishment of the IDF, solutions have been provided for observant soldiers in the areas of kashrut and Shabbat, and argued that they should be granted a similar opportunity regarding the issue of mixed-gender service. He expressed deep regret that the codes of conduct are determined by those "far from the Torah of Israel." He warned that prosecuting soldiers whose only concern is to maintain the sanctity of the camp could bring disaster upon the need for the integration of everyone in this campaign.
At the end of the letter, Rabbi Bar appealed to the Chief of Staff and the Minister of Defense: "I write my words with a pained heart and out of responsibility for the people of Israel and the unity of the people. I ask you with every plea to change the decision."
