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)