25 reserve duty officers and soldiers from Shimshon have sent a letter to Shomron Brigade Commander Colonel Itzik Bar Shimshon Battalion Commander Lt.-Colonel Tzion Shankor, expressing their disgust with the IDF’s involvement in political missions, calling on the commanders to see to it that they are used for what they are trained for, to “crush the enemy”.
The reservists expressed their support for soldiers who pulled out a large sign at a Kosel military ceremony, expressing their opposition to soldiers being deployed to evict Jews from their homes, referring to the N. Shomron community of Chomesh, as was reported by YWN-Israel. The moved sparked much controversy, as soldiers are expected to keep their [political] opinions to themselves, to remain apolitical.
The move was condemned by the executive-director of the Settlement Council, Pinchas Wallerstein, who stressed the army must remain outside of the political debate, warning a loss of unity could have devastating results.
The letter cites the illustrious history of the unit, detailing it defending Israel in Gush Katif, Nisanit, N’vei Dekalim, and Gush Etzion, stating they know how to get the job done and how to identify the enemy.
They speak of the “embarrassment” to the unit that accompanied their orders, to “combat” Jews in Chomesh and treat them as if they are terrorists.
On this upcoming motzei shabbos Chayei Sara, a special kabalat panim will be held for the soldiers who waved the sign at the Kosel, Achiya Ovadia and Aryeh Arbus, beginning at 8:00pm in the Shirat Yerushalayim Hall in the capital (64 Kanfei Nesharim Street, Jerusalem). Hundreds of participants are expected, to show their support and extend their praise for the soldier’s actions.
Prominent rabbonim expected to attend include HaRav Dov Lior Shlita and HaRav Yitzchak Ginsburg.
(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)
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One Response
What an outrageous thing for soldiers to want to do – to “crush the enemy” and not their own people. How terrible, how insubordinate, – why this kind of behavior could lead to… why it could lead to… the WHOLE army only wanting to fight the enemy instead of their brothers – and what would become of the un-Jewish policies of the government then?!? Why this unprecedented disrespect for secular authority could lead to… to Be’as HaMashiach!