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)
Join the official YWN WhatsApp status
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!