After the video was released last night (Wednesday and Thursday) in which IDF soldiers were documented singing the Shema in a mosque in Jenin during an activity, many condemnations come in criticizing the act.
reservists reading the Shema at a mosque in Jenin; IDF: Contrary to Orders
Maran Rishon Lezion, the Chief Rabbi of Israel, Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef Shlita, sent a letter to the Chief Rabbi of the IDF, Rabbi Eyal Krim, in which he explained how IDF soldiers should behave when arriving at mosques and Palestinian homes: "Anything that is not a combat necessity should not be provoked, looted or corrupted, especially when it comes to matters of religion."
"It must be explained to these soldiers that the religious feelings of members of other religions should not be offended," the rabbi said, adding: "The people of Israel are a people of virtue and do not behave like the deeds of those murderers who slaughtered, did not compassionately, looted, corrupted and desecrated everything that is holy and dear to us. Therefore, we must exercise caution and refrain from actions that are useless to the fighting and cause damage to the people of Israel and its image in the world."
Chief Military Rabbi Eyal Krim (archive), photo: Oren Ben Hakon
Jordan was also quick to issue a condemnation of the incident, calling it a provocation: "We strongly condemn the ongoing Israeli incursions into the Jenin refugee camp and the invasion of the mosque by soldiers of the Israeli occupation and the observance of Talmudic ceremonies through its amplifiers. Behavior that expresses a clear provocation."
As stated, the IDF reported that the case was being handled, and the IDF Spokesperson's Office in Arabic issued a clarification statement on the official X account (formerly Twitter): "The fighters were removed from operational activity immediately, immediately upon receipt of the videos in question, and the commanders conducted a preliminary investigation into the circumstances of the incident. The behavior of the fighters appearing in the videos is dangerous and completely contrary to the IDF's values. Accordingly, disciplinary measures will be taken against the soldiers."
Asked to be considerate. MK Yuli Edelstein, Photo: Oren Ben Hakon
As a result, MK Yuli Edelstein, chairman of the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, wrote a letter to the chief of staff asking him to take into account the morale of the fighters on Gaza territory: "There are also considerations of motivation and morale. Reconsider how soldiers are treated," he wrote.
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