After learning that IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Gadi Eizenkott ordered relevant military officials to curtail the authority of the IDF Rabbinate, roshei yeshivos hesder and mechinot sent a letter to the military commander expressing their support for the IDF Rabbinate. The letter was sent on Friday, 18 Sivan 5775.

The letter begins explains “The Military Rabbinate along with the entire IDF partners in implementing the national vision as expressed in the Declaration of Independence in the Land of Israel..” continuing to quote passages from that document.

They call on the military commander to “continue promoting the IDF Rabbinate and its activities towards instilling the traditional values, religion and spirit. The fact that the [military] rabbis have descended to the frilled alongside the combatants in Operation Protective Edge was an honorary certificate for the Rabbinate and it added courage for the soldiers in battle”.

Regarding the participation of members of the IDF Rabbinate in swearing-in ceremonies the roshei yeshiva add “We see the inclusion of the military rabbi and Tanach as a natural inseparable portion of these ceremonies for IDF soldier. The IDF is the army of the Jewish People which was established in Eretz Yisrael and the State of Israel”.

The letter concludes calling on the IDF commander to strengthen and support the activities of the IDF Rabbinate.

Eizenkott plans to curtail the IDF Rabbinate’s role to strictly religious issues and indicates all education will be placed exclusively in the hands of the military’s Education Corps.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)