K A S H R U T . C O M_©

February 11, 2024 from the Jerusalem Post:

"Leavened bread will remain banned from IDF bases during Passover as the High Court of Justice rejected a petition on Sunday that sought to limit the restrictions to common dining areas.

"The ruling found that the injury to the rights of those who wished to consume leavened food products was limited in proportion to the needs of the military and those keeping Passover dietary restrictions.

"The petition argued that the military’s orders banning leavened food, or “hametz,” violated Basic Law: Human Dignity and Liberty by infringing on the constitutional right of autonomy of choosing their food and freedom of religion of soldiers, forcing them to observe facets of the holiday.

"The army will continue to serve kosher food to its soldiers

"The IDF said that the military has no policy for searching soldiers entering bases or their personal belongings for hametz. The IDF also said that it would improve procedures for addressing complaints connected to the matter.

"There is an important public interest in the army’s provision of kosher food for soldiers. It would be difficult for religious soldiers to live in close quarters with others if they were in possession of Hametz, and the tensions that would arise would damage the routine and unit cohesion.

"Steinitz contended that the injury to rights was relatively low in the face of the need for a kosher for Passover base. The dietary restrictions were only in effect for a few days each year, and the number of those affected is small since many soldiers are given holiday leave or leave base at the end of the day.

"The petition was submitted in 2021 by the secular forum, the Hiddush organization for freedom of religion and equality, and parents whose children were serving or were to serve in the IDF."