For the first time in the IDF’s history, all soldiers will be allowed to grow beards without the need for special exemptions as the IDF prepares to approve several changes to its dress code for soldiers on Wednesday. The move was led by the Torat Lechima organization, Likud MK Keti Shitrit, and Gilad ‘Mezukan,” one of the prominent activists in the struggle for granting a blanket exemption for soldiers to grow beards. The new arrangement allows soldiers to grow a beard regardless of religious identity as long as it is neat and in accordance with proper military appearance [no stubble]. “The IDF is a Jewish army,” stated the Torat Lechima organization. “After many years of struggle, we succeeded, with Siyata Dishmaya, and under the leadership of our tireless colleague MK Keti Shitrit, in making a historic and significant correction that will put an end to the bizarre persecution of soldiers who grow beards. From now on, a beard is an integral part of the image of the Israeli soldier, and this is a historic and significant step, especially during this war of Am Yisrael against their enemies.” “The amendment was made at the request of Golani soldiers who approached us exactly a year ago with a request to amend the beard regulation in the IDF. We thank Minister of Defense Yisrael Katz and Minister of Justice Yariv Levin for their significant assistance and cooperation with us throughout the entire process; Minister Amichai Eliyahu who has fought with us to advance the issue for 10 years; and our friend, the social media personality Gilad ‘Hamezukan, for the excellent work.” Knesset Member Keti Shitrit welcomed the new arrangement. “We are privileged to bring about the correction of a historical injustice within the army, precisely during wartime. Following the bill I initiated, soldiers will be allowed to grow a beard regardless of identity. It is unacceptable that growing a beard as a basic Jewish symbol should have to go through an archaic bureaucratic process that is not relevant to the purpose of the mission of the IDF.” (YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)