A Chareidi IDF reservist was sent to jail for 14 days after refusing to be mechalel Shabbos by loading a semitrailer on Shabbos.

Last erev Shabbos, the security situation became extremely tense in the south as another round of warfare was threatening from Gaza. Many soldiers stationed in the area were instructed to prepare for warfare.

Soldier Zechariah Melichi of Bnei Brak, an IDF reservist and the father of young children who is stationed in the south, wished to keep Shabbos and not transgress halacha, asking to find a replacement for non-essential actions assigned to him.

However, his commanders decided otherwise, instructing him to begin transferring equipment to a semitrailer on Shabbos. Melichi, who refused, and was sentenced to 14 days in jail by his battalion commander for insubordination; refusing a direct order.

A brother of Zechariah is quoted telling Kikar Shabbos News “We are dealing with the head of a family who was supposed to return home to his family, the children, whom have just begun summer vacation. But as Shabbos ended, the family was shocked to receive the news, that abba was sent to jail and will not be coming home in the coming weeks, albeit because he refused to be mechalel Shabbos.

“Was it pikuach nefesh? Was loading the semitrailer absolutely necessary? It is regrettable that the IDF does not take into account the feelings of its religious soldiers and despises halacha”.

The IDF Spokesman Unit responded: The reserve soldier was on standby in a transport battalion along with other soldiers. In light of the security incidents, the soldier was asked to arrive with his carrier to the Gaza Division. In view of his refusal, despite the operational necessity, he was sentenced to 14 days in prison.”

(YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)