With tens of thousands of Israelis heading to Uman for Rosh Hashanah, a special unit in the Prime Minister’s Office is concerned with providing security for mispallalim there and elsewhere around the world. As is commonly the case, the PM’s Office calls on Israel Police to ‘borrow’ officers from special units such as Gidonim, Yassam and Yomam for the assignment. The candidates must be approved by security officials in the PM’s Office.
A number of Druse policemen suited for the task have applied, but they were all rejected. They explain the letter stated the reason is “they are members of a minority community”. They turned to the non-profit that addresses rights issues for police, and the facts in the case were verified.
The non-profit sent a harsh letter to the PM’s Office, asking how it can discriminate against Druse officers, part of a community that stands at Israel’s sides in all situations, in the police and IDF alike. They question how a discriminatory policy can be viewed as acceptable.
Police officials point a finger of blame at the PM’s Office, explaining in the case of security abroad, the decision comes from the national level, not within the department.
Officials in the ISA (Israel Security Agency – Shin Bet) add they did not call on Israel Police for assistance and therefore, the allegations made have no connection to the agency.
(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)
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One Response
They actually are right, druise have been wonderful and patriotic officers of IDF and great citizens of Israel, even though they are not Jewish. Also, it would probably be even better to have the non-Jews working for the Rosh-HaShonah from halachic standpoint of view as well.