The German army has installed its first rabbi as a religious counsellor in 100 years, in a symbol of the renewal of Jewish life decades after the Holocaust. But the equivalent has not been available to Jewish soldiers, who number around 300. Taking up the post on Monday, Hungarian-born Zsolt Balla, 42, underlined what he described as a “historic responsibility” to serve Jewish soldiers. Religious counsellors in the army offer advice on ethical issues and accompany soldiers as they carry out training or further education. Germany’s armed forces have over the years been repeatedly criticised over suspicions that some members have far-right sympathies.

Source: The Guardian June 21, 2021 16:18 UTC