|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
In a landmark policy shift, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has officially granted blanket approval to all soldiers to grow beards, marking the first time in the military’s history that such a regulation has been uniformly applied regardless of religious or cultural background.
The decision, championed by the Torat Lehima organization and Likud MK Keti Shitrit, came after a year-long advocacy effort that began with a request from Golani Brigade soldiers.
Previously, soldiers were required to seek special approval for facial hair, often sparking criticism over inconsistent and cumbersome bureaucratic procedures.
“From now on, the beard will be considered an inseparable part of the Israeli soldier’s identity,” MK Shitrit announced, calling the decision a “historic correction” and a moment of pride for soldiers defending the country during wartime.
The revised policy allows all soldiers, irrespective of religious identity, to maintain beards as long as it conforms with military appearance standards. It represents a broader recognition of cultural and religious expression within the IDF, often described as both a national and Jewish institution.
The Torat Lehima organization, which played a central role in the campaign, praised the move. “The IDF is a Jewish army,” the group stated.
“After many years of struggle, we succeeded—with divine assistance and under the leadership of our tireless colleague MK Keti Shitrit—in making a historic and significant correction that will put an end to the bizarre persecution of soldiers who want to grow beards.”
The amendment comes amid ongoing military operations, which Torat Lehima described as a “War of Independence and the identity of the Jewish people against its enemies.” The timing, just before the Passover holiday, was seen as especially symbolic by advocates of the change.
Support for the initiative extended to several government ministers, including Defense Minister Israel Katz and Justice Minister Yariv Levin, both credited for their behind-the-scenes efforts to push the regulation forward. Minister Amichai Eliyahu was also acknowledged for his decade-long commitment to the cause.
Bearded Gilad, a prominent social media activist and one of the public faces of the campaign, welcomed the development. “After years of struggle on behalf of the soldiers, we are happy and excited that this historic day has finally arrived,” he said.
“The new order that we led will allow every soldier to grow a beard, thus ending systemic discrimination and enabling commanders to focus on winning the war, not shaving soldiers.”
The move is widely seen as a cultural milestone within the IDF, reflecting growing sensitivity to religious and personal freedoms. For many, the beard symbolizes not only religious observance but also national and personal identity.
MK Shitrit summed up the mood of the day: “It is unacceptable that growing a beard, as a basic Jewish symbol, should have to go through an archaic bureaucratic process. Today, we correct that injustice.”
The regulation is expected to take immediate effect, freeing thousands of soldiers from the previous exemption process and ushering in a new era of tolerance and tradition in the Israeli military.