Rabbi Yosef mends fences with soldiers after mitzvot uproar

Shas' spiritual leader meets soldiers in Jerusalem, says remarks that troops who do not observe mitzvot die in war were taken out of context
Neta Sela

Having sparked media uproar over remarks that "soldiers die in war because they do not observer mitzvot," Rabbi Ovadia Yosef tried to mend his fences with the IDF during a meeting with a group of soldiers in Jerusalem on Monday evening.

Yosef explained to the soldiers that his remarks had been taken out of context, saying that he was referring to wars fought by the Israelites, led by Moshe, who defeated strong kingdoms ahead of claiming the Land of Israel. "Although they were few, all returned unharmed," Yosef said, linking the safety of Moshe's warriors to their observing of Jewish law.

"Today everybody has sins, but God forgive the sins of soldiers who give their lives to save the people of Israel and protects them," Yosef said.

Yosef meets soldiers in Jerusalem (Photo: Shuki Lerer)

Yosef told the soldiers that he "loved them".

Yosef aides said the rabbi was hurt by the misinterpretation of his remarks and rejected claims that he had referred to today's soldiers.

Uproar

In a sermon, delivered just two weeks after Israel marked the war’s first anniversary, Shas’ spiritual leader said, “It is no wonder that soldiers are killed in war; they don’t observe Shabbat, don’t observe the Torah, don’t pray every day, don’t lay phylacteries on a daily basis – so is it any wonder that they are killed? No, it’s not.

“God have mercy on them (soldiers) and make them become newly religious – then they will all live a good life in peace,” Rabbi Yosef said.

During his sermon, the rabbi mentioned the Torah portion “Shoftim”, which states: “What man is there that is fearful and faint-hearted? Let him go and return unto his house, lest his brethren's heart melt as his heart" (Deuteronomy 20: 5-8) – meaning, fearful soldiers should return to their homes during times of war or danger.

According to Rabbi Yosef, today such soldiers would be “placed in a military prison by their commanding officers.”