The parents and families of IDF soldiers Gil Tzoriano and Assaf Rosenberg z”l, two members of the IAF 669 airborne rescue unit who were killed in what is known in Israel as the ‘1992 Cable Disaster’, are voicing their strong objections to the appointment of IDF Lt.-Colonel (reserves) Rabbi Rafi Peretz as the next IDF chief rabbi.

At the time, Peretz, who held the rank of captain, was the pilot of the Yasur chopper when the cable supporting the rescuers snapped, and according to the families, one was killed instantly but the second was alive for some 20 minutes and Peretz did nothing to assist.

Responding to the painful allegations and anguish of the parents, Rav Peretz stated that four commissions of inquiry investigated the event, and there is no point in returning to that sad day. Peretz received a censure but there was no recommendation to prevent his advancing in the ranks or to remove him from service.

Some family members stated it is simply unacceptable because as chief rabbis, he will have to recite memorials for the fallen while he did nothing to assist when he could.

Responding to the parents and family members, some threatening to challenge the appointment in the Supreme Court, the IDF Spokesman’s Officer released a statement that Peretz was the subject of intensive investigations and the findings are public knowledge. The IDF empathizes with the bereaved families, but the selection of the chief rabbi was approved by all appropriate officials after an in-depth search and he is indeed qualified for the position.

With the appointment to chief military rav, Rabbi Peretz will be promoted to the rank of brigadier-general.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)