Israel Matzav

Cash rewards for soldiers who refused Hebron orders

On Sunday, an organization called the World Headquarters for Saving the Nation and the Land plans to hand out awards to twelve IDF soldiers who spent twenty-eight days each in prison for refusing to take part in the expulsion of two Jewish families from their homes in Hebron last month.

The ceremony, which will be held in Beit Horon, is scheduled to coincide with the official military ceremony awarding citations to soldiers who fought in the Second Lebanon War.

The soldiers in the alternative ceremony will also receive cash rewards worth thousands of shekels, courtesy of a Jewish donor in the US.

The organization's leader, Rabbi Shalom Dovber Wolpo [in the linked article it's spelled Wolpe, but it's the same person CiJ], told Army Radio on Wednesday morning that "we need to consider that if there hadn't been a criminal order at the time of the disengagement, there would not have been a Second Lebanon War, and we wouldn't be in this situation today. If [soldiers] like these had refused this expressly illegal order then, we wouldn't need [to hand out] these prizes."

He stressed that his group in no way meant to demean those who truly deserved awards for their dedication and sacrifice in the Second Lebanon War, but that "we also need to show respect for those who refused to follow orders [to evacuate Jews] and sat in jail" for their insubordination.

A group of 12 Orthodox soldiers - including two squad commanders - were sentenced to 28 days in prison and were discharged from their combat units for refusing to participate in the Hebron evacuation.

Look for the left to be all over this story (including legislation to make paying soldiers to refuse orders 'illegal') in 5... 4... 3... 2... 1.... But hey, it's (supposed to be) a free country.....

By the way, I'm not saying he's financing this. But he might be.

Update 3:41 PM

Sure enough...

Peace Now, meanwhile, responded by calling on Attorney-General Menahem Mazuz to investigate World Headquarters for Saving the Nation and the Land for alleged sedition and funding illegal activities.

Hey dimwits: How is he supposed to investigate someone who is not even in Israel?

Update 10:31 PM

The municipality of Beit Horon is now refusing to let the ceremony take place in its community center. Maybe they should use one of Chabad's "770" replicas.

posted by Carl in Jerusalem @ 10:51 AM