A silly question that appeared in the IDF's official publication "B'Machane" is likely to create a coalition crisis. Shas Chairman Eliyahu Yishai was shocked to discover that the army has officially admitted that eating non-kosher food (trefa) inside IDF bases is permitted.
Minister Yishai told Yedioth Ahronoth that what he deems so serious is the fact that the IDF has officially admitted that eating non-kosher food on military bases is permitted, and that there is no reference to the way it is supposed to be enforced in the event that such the order is breached. "I know that this policy is not acceptable by army chiefs, but evidently there are those in the intermediate ranks that would like to strip the IDF of its Jewish identity and soul. The distance between permitting non-kosher food in the soldiers' dwellings and in the dining room after hours is negligent, and the next stage would be that a religious soldier would not be able to enter a military mess hall."
The IDF spokesperson responded Sunday evening by saying: "Minister Yishai's letter has not yet been received at the chief of staff's office. With regards to kosher laws -- General Staff orders call for abiding by kosher laws in kitchens and in IDF mess halls. A soldier is permitted to bring in non-kosher food to army bases as long as he does not break the aforesaid rules."
Click on the blue headline to read a Talkback comment and respond to it. Click on the icon to send a private email to the talkback writer. The icon appears only if the writer has decided to be contacted. If no popup window appears, please make sure your popup blocker allows israelinsider.com.
icon to send a private email to the talkback writer. The icon appears only if the writer has decided to be contacted. If no popup window appears, please make sure your popup blocker allows israelinsider.com.