Soldiers and officers of an elite combat unit were compelled to visit a church and attend a lecture by a religious leader, the daily Yisrael HaYom reported on Thursday.
A group of ten soldiers and officers visited Yerushalayim as part of an educational culture day by the IDF. Such days are commonplace as the military?s Education Corps seeks to expand the horizons of our Jewish soldiers. Ironically, this particular event was in honor of Yom Yerushalayim, but it appears no one in the Jewish army felt visiting a shul or Jewish site might be a tad more suitable.
Realizing they were being escorted to a church some of the soldiers politely asked to be excused, explain halacha does not permit them to enter such a structure. They were refused and ordered to remain and participate.
The soldiers told Yisrael HaYom that they are nothing less than astounded by the total lack of sensitivity to their religious beliefs by the IDF. One of the soldiers added that even if they were dismissed as asked, it does not change the fact that something is very wrong, that the IDF feels a need to take soldiers to a church.
He added that not just from a Jewish point of view, but from a social point of view since such a day simply divides the troops instead of providing a day of fun, education and bonding between the troops.
The Office of the IDF Spokesman explained that the military sponsors and array of educational days to address the diverse population of soldiers. ?A soldier not wishing to enter a church on religious grounds is not compelled to do so?.
(YWN ? Israel Desk, Jerusalem)
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