Channel 2 correspondent Yair Shrike expresses regret for releasing the video showing IDF Chief Rabbi Brigadier-General Rafi Peretz dancing at a chasenah with Rabbi Yitzchak Shapira, author of the sefer Toras HaMelech.

Since the release of the video Peretz has been under fire in the dati leumi community and Members of Knesset.

Shrike now admits the video has gone out of proportion, explaining when he saw Rabbi Peretz dancing with Rabbi Shapira he realized “these is not a routine sight” but admits he did not think it would be “such a big [news] item”.

He adds that some of the members of the news team found it unacceptable for a senior military officer in uniform dancing with a fedora in place of his beret, with the author of such a sefer as Torah HaMelech no less.

Shrike explained Rabbi Peretz was invited by the father of the chosson, who until recently served as a senior officer in the IDF Rabbinate. He admits he was debating within if he should release the video after hearing the comments and finally decided to permit the debate to move to the public forum, but now he regrets his decision.

He explains “like any journalist I am pleased there is follow-up to a story of mine, but instead of this I feel otherwise today. True, I believe it is interesting. It is the role of a journalist report, and on second thought, the IDF Chief Rabbi should not have been dancing as he was in uniform but it appears things are moving out of proportion…”

As the stir surrounding the video continues, the young Channel 2 correspondent admits he wished he had not released the video.

Photo above is Channel 2 correspondent Yair Shrike.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)