Member of Knesset -elect Ofir Sofer (United Right) spoke on the telephone with the national firefighting commissioner, Dedi Simchi, following reports that firefighters are not permitted to grow a beard during the Omer-counting period between now and Shavuot, when cutting hair is prohibited under Jewish tradition.
Sofer heard from the Simhi about difficulty and complexity of using a face mask when a firefighter is bearded. Nevertheless, the Firefighting Commission is leaning to make it easier for traditional firefighters to maintain a religious lifestyle. He said, "I was happy to hear that despite the complexity, there is an attentive ear and goodwill in the Firefighting Commission for the preservation of Jewish tradition."