The Israel Defense Forces has begun an investigation into a recent trip taken by Rabbi Shlomo Aviner to Syrian territory earlier this week.
According to a report published Monday by Arutz Sheva, Rabbi Aviner, joined by his aide Rabbi Mordechai Tzion and several IDF reservists from the Military Rabbinate, traveled to Tel Kudna, a location situated on the Syrian side of the border. The IDF clarified that while the excursion had received clearance from some military personnel, it was not authorized by individuals with the proper authority to grant such permission.
The area visited lies within the Golan Heights, a region administered by Israel, but in close proximity to the Syrian frontier.
Rabbi Mordechai Tzion told Arutz Sheva that their intention was to offer spiritual encouragement to troops stationed near the border, saying they came to “strengthen their fighting spirits.”
Recalling the visit, Rabbi Tzion shared words Rabbi Aviner had offered during their time at the site: “The rabbi said that it is not clear from the Torah that the location we were in is considered ‘Syria,’ but it is probably the land of Israel.”
He added that Rabbi Aviner had elaborated on a well-known Midrash, stating, “The rabbi also explained the Midrash that says that Yerushalayim would extend until the gates of Damascus, saying that our yeshiva, Ateret Yerushalaim, is in the center of Jerusalem and we were on the road to Damascus – it’s an allegory.”
Responding to the incident, the IDF Spokesperson’s Unit issued the following statement: “Those in the photo are on active reserve duty, and they went to the area as part of their job to give a lesson about Passover. Their entry into Syrian territory was approved by an official not qualified to do so, and so the incident is under inquiry.”
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