Jerusalem, 7 October, 2026 (TPS-IL) — The IDF changed its instructions Wednesday following a public controversy, allowing religious soldiers serving in “Bnei Yeshivot” (yeshiva-track) units to leave a military ceremony before female singing begins.
The decision was made ahead of a memorial ceremony at the Golani Training Base honoring soldiers who fell in the Iron Swords War. The base rabbi initially informed soldiers that, because the event was an official military ceremony, they could not leave when females were singing. Soldiers who had difficulty attending were advised to lower their heads and avoid looking toward the stage.
Following protests and efforts by the base rabbi, the Golani Training Base commander approved a new arrangement. Bnei Yeshivot soldiers will sit at the edge of the stands and leave in an organized manner before female singing begins. They will also not participate in the honor guard.
Meanwhile, the national anthem, Hatikvah, would be sung by all participants.
