The IDF Manpower Branch has made a decision to prohibit future donations of equipment to soldiers and their units. While in the past, soldiers and officers could solicit donations for equipment they are lacking, or seeking updated versions of the equipment they were given, this will no longer be permitted from private individuals. Gifts will be acceptable if they come from ‘formal channels’. The decision announced by Brigadier-General Kirshner was passed on to the Knesset Foreign Affairs & Defense Committee on Monday, 19 Tammuz.

According to Kirshner, a ‘schnorrer mentality’ has developed and he is taking the matter of soliciting equipment from the Spokesman’s Unit and placing under the wing of the Personnel Directorate (Manpower Branch).

Sadly, families and persons abroad often contribute as they wish to provide better protection for their loved ones and their units. This is true regarding many units that received old generation flak jackets and private donors upgraded the soldiers – providing them with additional protection at their own expense. This is also true regarding cold-weather garments such as silk underwear and thermal military garments.

Many a parent of a soldier can attest to the minimal equipment given to their child, even those in combat units but Kirshner feels the situation has gotten out of hand and he has issued the new regulation prohibiting it.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)