[A Five Towns Jewish Times Op-Ed]

Chanukah is the time where all Jews should take inspiration from the Maccabees – and not from those who have undermined Judaism – such as Antiochus Epiphanes. This is why it is particularly disturbing that Israel Defense Forces Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot is calling for closing the Jewish awareness unit that operates within the military rabbinate. He is barking up the wrong tree.

Eisenkot’s proposal is not only a step against Judaism, it undermines a wonderful program that has endowed thousands of soldiers with a sense of purpose and resolution.

Even the greatest enemies of Judaism within Israel have described the effectiveness of the the unit for Jewish awareness. Since it has been established 14 years ago, it has grown remarkably. It has been educating IDF soldiers in such topics as “identity” and “values.” It has done so with passion and has managed to give over this passion to its charges. The activities of this unit include dynamic lectures, guided tours, seminars and inspiring publications that are designed to develop a national and Jewish perspective within IDF soldiers.

Eisenkot’s predecessors all recognized the value of what this unit has done for the IDF and for Israel and have not only allowed it to function, but have assisted in its growth.

The work of Chanukah is not over. We must take inspiration from the rekindling of Jewish values that happened in those days in these times. The Jewish community must do whatever it can do undo this proposal.

NOTE: The views expressed here are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent or reflect the views of YWN

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