Wednesday, the Eve of 9th of Av 5769, 29th of July 2009

At the Van Leer institute, 43 Jabotinsky st. Jerusalem

 

The Conference schedule:

 

09:00-09:30- Opening remarks: Rabbi Arik Ascherman, Executive Director of Rabbis for Human Rights.

 

For He established a testimony in Jacob, and appointed a law in Israel:

Psalms, 78;5

09:30-10:30- Testimonies of soldiers and Palestinians from operation "Cast Lead".

 

And I will make justice the line, and righteousness the plummet: Isaiah, 28;17

10:45-12:00- First seat: the role of the legal department in the IDF: to set limits or to authorize.

Moderator: Tali Lipkin Shahak

Participants: Attorney Daniel Reizner- former head of legal department of the IDF, Attorney Limor Yehudah- Association for Civil Rights in Israel, Dr. Amichai Cohen- Ono Academic College, Dr. Eyal Benbenishti-Tel Aviv University. The IDF spokesman decided not to send a representative. 

 

It hath been told thee, O man, what is good, and what the LORD doth require of thee: only to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God:

Micah, 6;8

12:30-13:45- Second seat: Halakha and the military- what is the role of the IDF Rabbinate in the IDF, following its role in operation "Cast Lead".

Moderator: Josef Cohen

Participants: Rabbi David Rosen, Leah Shakdiel, Rabbi Avi Novis-Deutch. The IDF spokesman decided not to send a representative. 

 

The righteous among people will and thus the Bible warns him, "Thou shalt keep thee from every evil thing". Ramban referring to Deuteronomy 23;10 

13:45-15:00- Third seat: what is the "IDF spirit" and what is an "ethical code". 

Moderator: Ronit Piso- Association for Civil Rights in Israel

Participants: Rabbi Dr. Noam Zohar- Bar Ilan University, Muki Betzer- head of Maagan Michael pre-army academy. The IDF spokesman decided not to send a representative. 

 

15:00-16:00- Conclusion.