The last months have been filled with stories of soldiers walking out of kol isha military events, frum soldiers ousted from officers’ training, and mounting tensions surrounding a soldier observing a torah lifestyle in the military. This has all been in the name of safeguarding the honor and rights of women. Leading this noble cause is IDF Chief of Personnel Branch Major-General Orna Barvibai, who has stated numerous times in the media that she will not show leniency or compromise when it comes to protecting the rights and position of females in the IDF.

It would appear however that no one seems as concerned with the honor of members of the IDF Rabbinate, for when the rav of the 460th Brigade of the Armored Corps wished to address a ceremony he was prevented from doing so by the commander, Colonel Lior Hochman. This occurred on Wednesday, 1 Rosh Chodesh Adar 5772, in the presence of soldiers, officials and family members the Kippa website reports.

Rabbi Major Ze’ev Ronnes was taking part of the ceremony and therefore, expected to address the event as is customary. At the last moment, the major received a directive from the colonel that he was not to address the event. This directive came moments ahead of scheduled address, without any forewarning. The report states the colonel told the rav he feared that he would speak in a tone which is not in line with the corps, fearing his religious hashkafa may leak out. He further explained that in keeping with regulations, a rav is only required to address a tzibur at swearing in ceremonies. Colonel Hochman suggested that in the future, Rabbi Ronnes may address the troops during their rehearsal for such events but he would not be permitted to speak at an actual ceremony.

Ironically, this new policy comes at a time when IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Benny Gantz  issued a statement that “everyone should and must serve,” but it appears the quality of this service may vary depending on if one is shomer mitzvos or not.

Screams of discrimination have not been heard from the office of the IDF chief, or Major-General Barvibai or even from IDF Chief Rabbi Brigadier-General Rafi Peretz.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)