“If they [i.e., the IDF] provide me with kosher food on my level, make certain I will not be exposed to pritzut [immorality and immodestly dressed women, etc.] and to’eva [abominations, specifically homosexuality], and I will not be required to listen to foul language, and they permit me to keep Shabbat as required, and make certain that I will not be compelled to hear the words of heretics against Our Father in Heaven, and I am permitted to observe the mitzvot [Divine commandments] as I am required, then I too will enlist!”
Rabbi Bentzion Mutzafi
Haredi Rabbi Says Haredim Don’t Serve In The IDF Due To The “Immorality” And “Abominations” Found There
Shmarya Rosenberg • FailedMessiah.com
Rabbi Bentzion Mutzafi, who heads the Badatz Bnei Tzion kosher supervision, was reportedly asked why haredim are opposed to serving in the IDF. “Even King David and his son Shlomo maintained armies,” the questioner reportedly said.
“You must be a new immigrant,” Mutzafi reportedly responded. “If they [i.e., the IDF] provide me with kosher food on my level, make certain I will not be exposed to pritzut [immorality and immodestly dressed women, etc.] and to’eva [abominations, specifically homosexuality], and I will not be required to listen to foul language, and they permit me to keep Shabbat as required, and make certain that I will not be compelled to hear the words of heretics against Our Father in Heaven, and I am permitted to observe the mitzvot [Divine commandments] as I am required, then I too will enlist!”
“However,” Mutzafi concluded, “the IDF has rejected my conditions!”
Mutzafi did not address the opinions in Jewish law and in the Torah itself which allow great leniencies for soldiers in times of war or need, and which does not command the army of a Jewish state (or anywhere else) to meet all or even most of Mutzafi’s demands.
Mutzafi also did not address the fact that the IDF has voluntarily met most of his demands.