The IDF has issued a pamphlet titled, “Different Variation: Activity Plan on Integrating LGBT in the IDF,” contains guidelines for commanders in the various units on transforming gay soldiers into an integral part of the army, Kipa revealed Friday.
“The fear of LGBT soldiers from the reaction of society and the soldiers around them,” the pamphlet says, “stems from the social perception and stereotypes of the LGBT, which in some cases leads to verbal or physical violent behavior.”
“The army demands that its soldiers and commanders put aside prejudices and misconceptions and treat every soldier as an equal among equals,” the pamphlet says, adding, “We have a duty to respect and show tolerance towards all other soldiers. The IDF has written on its banner the value of human dignity, as one of its three basic values, and tolerance of others is one of its expressions.”
“The commander must embrace the challenge of combating homophobia and discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation,” the pamphlet states. “As a personal example for his subordinates, he must immediately respond to every episode of homophobia, even when one soldier calls another “gay” (when the recipient is straight). It must be explained that such a statement is liable to hurt fellow soldiers who really are gay, seeing as their very essence can be used as a putdown, even when it’s only a joke among friends. Even though the word itself is not shaming, using it as a putdown is.”
Among the detailed instructions for commanders, there’s the guideline of “Do not assume that any spousal relationship of a man is necessarily with a woman, and of a woman with a man. For instance, instead of asking his soldier if his girlfriend is waiting for him at home, it would be preferable to ask if his girlfriend or boyfriend is waiting at home (the terms in Hebrew are ben-zug for male and bat-zug for female).”
Also, instead of asking if a soldier has a girlfriend (or boyfriend) it would be best to ask, “Are you in a relationship?”
The pamphlet also states that in order to create a safe space for LGBT soldiers, the commanders must clarify that “the LGBT discourse is legitimate, and it must be made clear that if the soldier wishes to come out of his or her closet, they would be accepted.”
The Liba Center, which is dedicated to “preserving the Jewish character of the State of Israel and strengthening the pillars of Jewish society,” issued a statement suggesting that “someone in the IDF got confused, and instead of dealing with victory at war, decided to promote [liberal] cultural concepts and reeducate our soldiers. The most recent policies coming out of the IDF the Education Corps have been that the [pre-state] underground units were terrorist organizations; that it’s forbidden to talk about the liberation of Jerusalem and victory in wars; it’s forbidden to sing the [revisionist youth movement] Betar anthem; and now this policy regarding deviant tendencies is very worrisome.”
“The Chief of Staff must open his eyes,” the statement continued. “Something bad is happening to the IDF on his watch. It’s time to recalculate this path, for the benefot of the IDF and the State of Israel.”
The IDF Spokesperson’s Office said in response: “The Education Corps is preparing accessories designed to assist IDF commanders in dealing with various issues that they are required to address in the framework of their duties. The IDF will continue to take action to integrate all of its members without regard to religion, race, gender or sexual orientation, as part of its role as the people’s army.”
The IDF added that “it should be noted that the pamphlet in question has been removed from the Education corps’ website and will be reexamined. “
