Woolen Tzitzis Becomes Hot Issue in IDF

A new IDF directive forbids soldiers from wearing woolen tzitzis in extreme heat during military operations, presumably to avoid the danger of heat prostration.

The matter was reported on the Kol Barama radio station on Sunday, where reactions ranged from understanding to outrage.

“N,” who was identified as a soldier in the Givati brigade, said that the directive stems from ignorance, and not a hostile or discriminatory attitude religious

He protested, and was not forced to comply with the directive. “As soon as they saw that I insisted, my commanders turned a blind eye,” he said.

On the other hand, Rabbi Rami Raved, a former Air Force rabbi, called it outrageous.

“There is a trend today of commanders looking to get into the private lives of religious soldiers. The army must decide whether or not it wants religious soldiers,” he said.