A reserves soldier was led into prison this morning to begin a 28-day sentence for having taken part in a prayer service at the Machpelah Cave in Hevron. Hevron Brigade Commander Col. Haggai Mordechai handed down the sentence last week, and was supposed to meet with the soldier on Friday - but never showed up.
Hevron leaders, as well as the local military doctor - under whose command the soldier serves as a medic - made many pleas to Mordechai, and even showed him pictures (which can be seen at) proving that the soldier did not act wildly as accused, but Mordechai did not budge, and the sentence began today.
Hevron spokesman Noam Arnon said, "This is an utterly disgraceful act. A father of three was simply praying Shmoneh Esreh when suddenly police and soldiers came wildly through to escort the muazzin into his room, shoving aside all those who were praying there."
Another Hevron spokesman, David Wilder, explained that the custom has long been that the muazzin - the one who sounds the loud, wailing call for Moslem prayer - is not allowed into the Machpelah Cave while Jewish prayers are going on, "but for the past couple of weeks, the army changed its policy. With no choice, we began praying in protest right outside the muazzin's room. This reserve soldier just happened to be there, and was asked to lead the prayers - so he did. When the police came in with the muazzin, he kept moving to the side and did not at all resist. His lone 'crime' was that afterwards he asked one of the soldiers if they would just allow them to complete the prayers - and now he's going to prison for 28 days."
The Ministry of Defense can be faxed at 03-697-6218 (outside Israel: 9723-697-6218).
Hevron leaders, as well as the local military doctor - under whose command the soldier serves as a medic - made many pleas to Mordechai, and even showed him pictures (which can be seen at
Hevron spokesman Noam Arnon said, "This is an utterly disgraceful act. A father of three was simply praying Shmoneh Esreh when suddenly police and soldiers came wildly through to escort the muazzin into his room, shoving aside all those who were praying there."
Another Hevron spokesman, David Wilder, explained that the custom has long been that the muazzin - the one who sounds the loud, wailing call for Moslem prayer - is not allowed into the Machpelah Cave while Jewish prayers are going on, "but for the past couple of weeks, the army changed its policy. With no choice, we began praying in protest right outside the muazzin's room. This reserve soldier just happened to be there, and was asked to lead the prayers - so he did. When the police came in with the muazzin, he kept moving to the side and did not at all resist. His lone 'crime' was that afterwards he asked one of the soldiers if they would just allow them to complete the prayers - and now he's going to prison for 28 days."
The Ministry of Defense can be faxed at 03-697-6218 (outside Israel: 9723-697-6218).