What it is about
The family of Cpt. Yisrael Yudkin, an ultra-Orthodox soldier who was tragically killed in Gaza, is requesting the addition of “May God avenge his blood” (Hashem Yikom Damo) to his military headstone. The Defense Ministry’s refusal to accommodate this request has delayed the finalization of his gravesite.
Why it matters
This case highlights the broader debate on how Israel’s defense forces can better accommodate the needs of Haredi soldiers, who serve with dedication, yet face unique religious requirements.
Background
Cpt. Yisrael Yudkin served as a deputy company commander in the Haredi Netzah Yehuda battalion. He was laid to rest at Mount Herzl Military Cemetery in Jerusalem but currently rests under a blank marble slab due to the ongoing disagreement.
Family’s Struggle
The Defense Ministry cited formalistic reasons for turning down the family’s request to inscribe the sacred acronym Hey Yud Daled on Yudkin’s headstone. Normally, military headstones adhere to a uniform format with few exceptions.
Broader Implications
The Yudkin family’s experience underscores the Israeli army’s complexities in accommodating ultra-Orthodox service members amidst an ongoing national dialogue over Haredi military service exemptions.
Support from Rabbinic Leadership
Orthodox rabbis from the Tzohar rabbinic group appealed to Defense Minister Yoav Galant and IDF Chief-of-Staff Herzi Halevi to honor the Yudkin family’s request, emphasizing that Hashem Yikom Damo is a conventional Jewish phrase for those who lost their lives in conditions connected to their faith.
Unified Effort
“Such measures of sensitivity are necessary in our ongoing quest to help ensure that the army can be something embraced by the greater Israeli population,” the rabbis wrote. In light of the family’s sacrifice, they asked for leniency over strict uniformity in this case.
Current Climate
This development happens amidst polarized opinions on the issue of military service exemptions for Haredi men. While some activists are pushing for change, understanding grows that it requires sensitive adaptation of army protocols for inclusivity.
Looking Forward
As Israel’s High Court of Justice is expected to rule on new petitions about Haredi conscription, the outcome may prompt additional modifications to existing military protocols, further accommodating what is a dedicated segment of Israeli society serving in the defense forces.
This story was first published on timesofisrael.com.