The recent religious “high holidays”\u00a0highlighted US military\u00a0efforts to accommodate the faiths of those within its ranks.<\/p>\n
Two important perspectives were recently expressed in reaction to the celebration of Passover in Iraq by US servicemembers.\u00a0 First, from a young celebrant:<\/p>\n
“It’s a big deal for morale, especially for Jewish Soldiers,” said Jason Kocsis [of the] Louisiana National Guard. “To be able to get together with other Soldiers of the Jewish faith and share what you normally share back at home<\/em> with family, it gives you more of a taste of home and what we have to look forward to.” (emphasis added)<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Second, from a senior officer who is not only a celebrant, but also a commander:<\/p>\n
“The Army and these Soldiers are a part of our extended family during war-time,” said Lt. Col. Mednick, who is in charge of all aviation operations in the [northern] area of operations…”It’s very important to not spend this holiday alone and I’m proud to provide that culture for these Soldiers<\/em>.” (emphasis added)<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Finally, it is also important to note the military supports the religious exercise of all<\/em> who support the US combat mission.\u00a0 The Army news release about the event<\/a> includes a picture of the Passover celebration documenting the participation of a Jewish civilian contractor; contrary to some beliefs, US military spiritual resources are often\u00a0shared with non-US military adherents.<\/p>\n
While some may try to highlight the potential religious friction between the US military–which represents a predominantly “Christian” society–in a predominantly Islamic region of the world, it may be even more significant that Jewish celebrations are occurring in regions of the world where there is sometimes a violent hostility toward Judaism.\u00a0 Yet, the US military allows–and even encourages<\/em>–its members to participate in the tenets of their faith.\u00a0 It does not demand they hide the exercise of their\u00a0faith, nor does it squash the public release of photos of the events.<\/p>\n