Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have given an ultimatum to the family of fallen Christian soldier David Bogdanovsky to remove the cross from his gravestone or face a reburial. Bogdanovsky, who was killed in Gaza, had his gravestone covered in black cloth due to the presence of the cross, which is deemed offensive to the Jewish troops buried nearby.
The Defense Ministry cited a ruling by the IDF’s chief rabbi stating that religious markers are not permitted on military headstones. Military officials claimed that the presence of the cross hurt the feelings and ability to pray of families with loved ones buried nearby. Bogdanovsky’s mother expressed outrage at the demand, highlighting her son’s faith as an integral part of his identity.
While Israel allows the burial of non-Jewish service members alongside Jewish comrades in military cemeteries, the issue has sparked controversy. This incident comes in the wake of Israel’s military operation in Gaza after Hamas militants attacked, resulting in a high number of casualties.