The Discipline Unit of the IDF’s Manpower Branch has recommended prohibiting soldiers to sport a beard simply because they wish to. New regulations also ban large headphones.
According to a Ynet report, the new recommendations will become regulation in the very near future. Small headphones with a wire will be permitted. The military feels the large colored headphones that are becoming increasingly popular compromise a soldier’s external appearance.
The officials in charge of formulating the new regulations headed by Lt.-Colonel Oren Avraham recommended outlawing beards by choice as well. To date, one sporting a beard for non-medical or religious reasons would be permitted to do so by obtaining approval from an officer of the rank of lieutenant-colonel. Officials explain that there are a growing number of complaints from officers who feel the soldiers ‘uniform look’ is disappearing as a result of the increase in the number of soldiers with beards.
Military officials report that in addition, they have learned of many cases in which soldiers were permitted to sport beards for religious reasons while learning the very same soldiers watched television on Shabbos.
Officials point out that beards for true religious or medical reasons will be respected in the future as has been the case to date.
(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)
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7 Responses
So anyone that wants to keep facial hair for religious reasons will still be allowed to do so. Seems like the Israel news desk is having a slow day on stories.
Before we get attacked by all the haters, you should know that they have a point. In my unit, I had very few religious people serving with me. But about 30 percent of the people claimed to be religious so that they wouldn’t have to shave. Before every off weekend, I would have many people come and ask to borrow a kipa because we were all inspected and they wouldn’t be allowed to leave without a kipa. I remember seeing half the unit with kipas so I suggested that if they are all suddenly religious they should join in a minyan for mincha. I couldn’t get a minyan.
Essentially, the army
recognizes the abuse and is trying to crack down. But, as the article states, anybody who is really religious will be allowed to keep a beard. The commanders know who is really religious.
it’s a new plague on the cheridim, wait and see.
The headliine should read IDF takes stand against those taking advantage of a religious accomodation and then explain how soldiers are doing so. I personally know a chayal who grew a beard and requested religious exemption simply because he needs those 2 extra minutes every morning.
What about mandating that all soldiers don’t shave – then they will look uniform.
you guys literately just said nothing new at all, I was in the Army 8 years ago and this laws were there!
Yeshivaguy1,
It’s amazing how people who know least about religion, or better, who hate the religious charideim, they’ll decide who is Frum enough to let him self grow a beard.
Yes. this is The Israeli Army today.