Jewish private attacked after at Fort Benning after string of ant Jewish incidents
US: Jewish Army trainee says he was beaten
Pvt. Michael Handman says knocked unconscious by fellow soldier days after he complained of religious discrimination. Army officials at Fort Benning investigating claims
Associated Press Published: 10.03.08, 20:28 / Israel News
Army officials at Fort Benning are investigating the claims of a Jewish soldier in basic training who says he was beaten days after complaining of religious discrimination.
Pvt. Michael Handman of Atlanta says another soldier punched him in the head and knocked him unconscious in an unprovoked attack Sept. 24. He was treated for a concussion.
Handman wrote to his parents before the attack that he was being discriminated against. He said one sergeant used an anti-Semitic slur and another ordered him to remove his yarmulke in a dining hall.
Fort Benning spokeswoman Monica Manganaro says an Army private is being held on suspicion of attacking Handman, but he has not been charged.
She said investigators do not believe the attack was linked to religious prejudice. http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3604958,00.html
what a shame,these children volunteer to serve our country,and this is how they are treated.. I am deeply disturbed,that in this age and day,drill sgts are not taught better.they should have been dismissed.. when will this end??/
What I have noticed is that many of our young people learn cruelity while in high school. This gets re-enforced by the sitcoms on TV with all the cute, snide remarks. It is all in the name of the cult of popularity.
It is an attack against anyone who does not fit into the group. On my last deployment, we had christians marked for punishment, who as a colonel put it: “WE are in a war against religion, we do not need them in our ranks!”
This story is heartbreaking. I went through Infantry School at Benning back in 1994. Drill sergeants were professional, and besides a few morons (particularly a racist Mormon from Arizona), I had little or no friction over my Jewishness throughout basic, AIT, and Airborne school.
Years later, here I am an NCO, and I still get people that approach me about the yarmulke, particularly young officers and “poges” or “remfs” or “fobbits” NCOs from non-combat units that want to exercise some real cross-checking leadership. Because asking someone if something is authorized is of course the ultimate validator of one’s leadership…anywho…
If ever we publish a “Welcome to the Army, Jewish Troopie” pamphlet, it would be worth adding to it which Army, Navy, whatever regulation governs wear of religious items, so that they may quote it. I get tired of saying “AR 670-1 proscribes that…” but you’ve got to know it if you run into the buck sergeant (who incidentally has a shaving profile from the medics and looks extremely unprofessional) who wants to feel useful.
Not that I have any feelings on the topic. I’ve never been attacked for being Jewish (and I’d encourage those so inclined to bring friends), but the constant questioning could start to feel like harassment after even a year, let alone 15 years, of it.
I have found that if you comment that you know how to do a bris, ie a mohel, and that you are more than willing to provide them with a “high and tight”, most individuals will back off and leave you alone!
I think this story, as it has appeared in the press, may be somewhat misleading/sensationalized in its headline.
The drill sergeants’ order to remove the yarmulke was incorrect (and ignorant), but hardly anti-Semitic. Yes, there are still guys in positions of authority who don’t know all the rules. Regrettably, I think he’ll find that more common as he progresses in the Army.
The inability to pray while on guard duty is a universal restriction, so that order was not discrimination.
The “denigrating language,” according to the AJC, was the term “Juden.” Have to admit, I’d only heard that term on “Saving Private Ryan,” spoken by a Jewish soldier, besides hearing it from those speaking German. I didn’t know it would be considered “perjorative,” nor, apparently, did the drill sergeant, though that has not excused it.
There is no (apparent) connection between the discrimination and the assault. To assert one is beyond speculative, as it contradicts the statements of the Army, and the fellow trainees, to the contrary.
So while there is a tragedy in the young trainee’s perceptions of life in the Army as a religious adherent, I don’t think its evidence of any institutional ignorance or discrimination–and it is poor form to portray it as such.
More than anything, I think he needs a Jewish Chaplain or person of authority to come along side him and help him understand that it’s not all bad; according to the AJC article, that may have occurred with the visit from the retired O-6.
I’d advocate a “Welcome to the Military, Religious Troopie,” except the problem would be that there’d be too many gray areas (plus someone would undoubtedly sue the military for favoring religion or something like that…). For example, the yarmulke is the only religious item specifically permitted by regulation, but it is not the only religious item you can wear…
Incidentally, the “constant questioning” regarding “accomodation of religion” is not limited to those of the Jewish faith.
My comments:
http://christianfighterpilot.com/blog/?p=241
Unfortunately, racism/anti-Semitism is usually the province of the aggrieved. If a non-Jew called me Juden, I would proffer that it probably wouldn’t be because he’s my friend. Depending on the context, punches or appropriate administrative action would be taken.
I’m only talking about a pamphlet for Jewish troops, at any rate, which would explain uniform regs, how to procure kosher rations, etc. Christians and Muslims can print their own, if necessary. My concern, and the concern of this site, is the well-being, education, and resources for Jewish Soldiers.
I think it is fair to use the accomodation of majority religions during training as a bellweather for how minority religions will fare. If Christians are not getting services, neither will Muslims or Jews. The Jedi among us must be totally lost.
On the whole, I’m sure there’s no institutionalized discrimination at Sand Hill. There wasn’t fifteen years ago when I went through, and the climate has only improved for people of various faiths. On the other hand, there are a lot of times in the bays, even now, when a troop starts a joke with a look around. We mustn’t be naive about an environment where poor performers can often be identified with negative stereotypes, especially when drill sergeants still use peer pressure as leverage.
The only comment I have seen which most strikes the core issue herein is the post by Christianfighterpilot. I am the retired 0-6 called in to assess this matter.
With deference to the parents who over-reacted by contacting congress and the press, this whole issue is a tempest in a teapot.
Moments of discomfort and concern by a new Jewish trooper when challenged harshly for wearing a kipa and being referred to as Juden in a collective sense were the seeds of this embroglio.
I interviewed both drill sergeants and am absolutely convinced of the verity of their incredulity over the magnitude of what happened. Yes, in the usual drill sergeant swagger, the young man was challenged for wearing a kipa. Weeks before the incident when he informed me of his intent to do so, I in turn informed him that he would have a no little amount of explaining to do ahead of him and that he might expect some discomfort in that regard. I was not discouraging him from his decision, but rather putting him on notice that he not be thin skinned about reaction to it. The offending drill sergeant is from rural America and never even saw a Jew before entering the army. He originally thought the kipa was a head bandage. When he asked, in typical drill sergeant fashion, “What’s that %$#* thing on your head?” the soldier supposedly explained what it was and that he was authorized to wear it. The drill sergeant avers that he never insisted that it be removed.
In the other event which has been characterized as anti-semitic, harrassment and anti-Jewish vilification, the drill sergeant used the term “Juden”–the German word for Jew. That sergeant happens to be a German speaker at home and had recently returned stateside after a 6 year tour in Germany where he spoke German as much as he spoke English. In dealing with the soldier he reflexively used the term for Jew that he knew to be common parlance. Was it intended offensively? I am convinced not. In the probably sarcastic drill sergeant style, the new troop might have been intimidated.
But, how should a 20 year old with a college background have responded or reacted in these cases? Should he have written home in vivid detail his experiences and concerns of the moment? Maybe. Should his worried and scared his parents about his misgivings? Should their concern about official military involvement have ignited the fire storm created? In my view, no. At least not without better information and fact other than perception and ostensible research into some internet blogs.
As Jewish Lay Leader who sees the soldier weekly, I was never informed of the incidents which precipitated this storm. The soldier had chatted with me in general, but never sought guidance, perspective, assistance or counsel.
When the army launched its investigation based on the congressional inquiry and a subsequent serious fight amongst company mates occurred in which the soldier was beaten up pretty much, the ever faithful-to-the-facts media wrote its story as they saw it with little Tevye perspective (“On the other hand….”). It was all a connected conspiracy. Adding to the significant distortion was the army’s inability to fully address the circumstances because of privacy policies and UCMJ. There was never any reported counterbalance. The world was to believe there is institutional anti-semitism in the military.
The soldier did indeed suffer some indignities. Was he subjected to institutional discrimination and a hate filled environment as reported? Absolutely not!!! Never.
Did the army address the matter swiftly, correctly, appropriately. Yes, without question.
I deal with hundreds of Jewish trainees every year who pass through basic training here at Fort Benning. There are a few that create their own hostile environment by informing the army as to what they cannot do as a consequence of the levels of observance as opposed to accepting what they MUST do as basic infantry trainees. We have had a soldier sent home who wouldn’t fire his weapon on shabbat. There are some that have hidden behind their own lack of abilities in the training process by suggesting that they were being unfairly treated because of their religion. In all cases I have been involved with over the years, there has been little more than unsophisticated ignorance and stupidity and bluster and posturing rather than any overt anti-Jewish intent. When and if there were, I would the first one at the CGs HQ with accusations and demands.
I, too, have lived the Jewish military experience. Inadvertences and occasional outright hostility occur. How one reacts and responds can garner new respect, grudging or otherwise, or make one a greater goat. The army is only a microcosm of our society as a whole.
To extrapolate these events of perceived harrasment into “I am afraid for my life…” is more than extreme.
Neil Block
Captain, US Navy, Retired
Jewish Lay Leader USAIC Fort Benning
I think the crux of the biscut sounds like kids joining the military are a heckuva lot less thick-skinned than previous generations. I’m seeing it with my privates…from genuinely guilded existences they hail, and they don’t want to suffer any of the many indignities associated with the military lifestyle.
It’s only an irritation when someone asks about the kipa at this point. When we’re doing strenuous work and a tzitzit tumbles out, it causes more questions. More often than not, they present an opportunity for education, even if increased frequency is downright aggravating at times.
I’ve lived the infantry life for a long time, starting with the very same OSUT and Airborne school. I can say, too, that in many cases I’ve seen, religious Jewish troops are told by recruiters that there would be accomodation. Why should a soldier arrive at infantry training, based off what he was told by his recruiter, not expecting to be able to observe Shabbot? Then there are what we colloquially refer to as the “sham artists” who might appropriate observance as a means to get over. It would present a leadership challenge in either case even in a line unit, let alone training environments. Even as an observant Jew, I long ago realized that when mission and religion clash, mission has to win, especially in the infantry.
I honestly found more conflict in my civilian employment (working for a big German company presents some interesting issues), and I find relief in mobilization just because the Army doesn’t make me sit in a pit barbeque and watch my coworkers eat treyfa. I would point out, though, that in the 8 years I’ve worked for a German company, traveling to and fro and engaging them on an almost daily basis, the word “Juden” has never been introduced. I still would seriously question the man’s use of it. Most Germans I’ve met have been disinclined to use the term because they fully understand the connotations associated. Culturally, they are so oversensitive to anything related to Shoah that I can hardly believe use of the term is reflexive.
Finally, how does a chain of command maintain good order and discipline with religious or newly religious kids without coming across as anti-whatever? It almost certainly requires a great deal of legwork on the part of the trainee–including explanations and private conversation about where and how needs can fit in–something I’m not convinced a wide-eyed private necessarily possesses the wherewithal to do.
I’m with you, Neil…I’m quite sure there’s no institutionalized discrimination anywhere within this Army, especially the Home of the Infantry. Still, there are ingredients for these kinds of problems to occasionally arise: recruiters, the elevated expectations of today’s enlistees, the potential lack of familiarity with subcultures on the part of training cadre, etc.
Because of space limitations in my previous post, I couldn’t expound a little more on the potential upside of this brouhaha.
My conclusion that has been relayed to appropriate command is that all prospecitve Drill Sergeants participate in the Army EOC course which now is reserved for designated EORs, one of which is assigned to every unit–including training units.
This course is a “sensitivity, awareness, information, etc.” course which focuses on minority considerations–gender and religious.
In esssence every drill sergeant is an EOR and the unit should not depend on an otherwise singularly designated slot be that. Ergo, DIs to the EOC course. I think the training command will buy my recommendation.
I am also writing a pamphlet similar to what has been described in foregoing posts as a Guide of Jews in the Army for drill sergeants and others in command. It’s in rough draft (and that’s not the title) and will be in the same vein as the pamphlet that Brian Kresge and I worked on for new inductees which the JWB has published and explains the expectations and obligations of Jews in the military–including wearing of kipas and fulfilling kashrut obligations. I’ll send my pre-final draft to Brian for a review and then publish.
Neil Block
For those that haven’t heard, CAPT Block is now the focus of the detractors…
http://christianfighterpilot.com/blog/?p=245
More here it’s beleived he was told to go to the laundry where he was attacked by a group
http://www.jta.org/cgi-bin/iowa/news/article/2008101320081013handman.html
With all due respect, and tangential point here has me very curious and admittedly disturbed.
Neil Block said “There are a few that create their own hostile environment by informing the army as to what they cannot do as a consequence of the levels of observance as opposed to accepting what they MUST do as basic infantry trainees. We have had a soldier sent home who wouldn’t fire his weapon on shabbat.”
And Brian Kresge said “I long ago realized that when mission and religion clash, mission has to win, especially in the infantry.”
Again, I cannot stress enough my genuine respect for both of you and your service, but these statements are precisely why I would have trouble recommending to a seriously believing and observant Jew that they serve in the US military. Nowhere is there permission in the halacha (that I know of) for violating mitzvot in less than operational situations. That makes it a real problem for a Jew who wants to serve in the military of a different majority culture.
BTW, I strongly sympathize with the ‘sham’ factor that Brian Kresge mentioned. Even in the IDF we saw it at times, and it just made it harder for those of us who tried to be sincere about our religious adherence. And certainly Neil Block is correct in implying that showing up as a subordinate with a confrontational attitude about ‘my rights’ won’t win friends or cooperation from the staff. I also agree that if the soldier chose to be there, he’d better be thick-skinned and ready for the social consequences. How naive can you be? But the problem remains…
As an IDF soldier and non-com I had the good fortune to be in a framework whose laws and regulations guaranteed my ability to keep Shabbat, fast days, etc.; even have time to daven (though very little!). I think an American yeshivah high school graduate would have a very hard time in the American military. With just my quick, outside exposure I don’t know how one would manage in the long term.
BTW, I’d be honoured to have Brian Kresge at our Shabbat table sometime. I’d really like to know how you do it.
And again, I mean all this with only the greatest respect for you and your service to a free, safe society.
Sgt. Brian Kresge:
Insofar as “[y]ou can insult [sic] myself [sic] and Neil Block all you want,
but it changes nothing, and it certainly doesn’t make your case … “, the insults were intended and as far as I am concerned far milder than deserved ! I notice you subsequently referred to Richard Baker as a “putz” [sic], which makes you an alter-schmuck, merely for intelligently and more than adequately elaborating on issues you challenged him [or me … I am not completely sure to whom you were addressing your remarks or even if you had any idea who had addressed you … I kind of doubt it, since obviously you have little idea what you are generally talking about anyhow] to provide. Insofar as referring to you as a “hypocrite”, that is made patently apparent by merely reading your initial post on Mikey and MRFF and the subsequent post to which my comments were directed. You condemn yourself by your own inconsistent -indeed opposite- statements. Coupled with your attempted gloss-over or coverup the circumstances of this particular situation which do not inspire confidence in their veracity; rather, it appears more to be a parroting of top-down, typical military “cover my ass or loose yours” and a group unwilling or unable to recognize a possible problem or -more frighteningly- being part of the problem … in which case you have made yourself complicit !
Insofar as Capt. Block is concerned, any person -especially one in a position of supposed moral mentorship and oversight- who is so cavalier in his acceptance of the commonality of the “n” word, when his charge is [or certainly should be] to at least combat such bigotry, is merely evidence of his own inadequacy and/or complicity … I imagine that he will either ignore or encourage the use of the terms “faggot”, “queer”, etc., as well, when “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”, rightfully ends with the incoming Administration. Time for him to go now before he is in WAY further over his bigoted head than he is now. The mere fact that this and impliedly by you of other “comments” only apparently bothers you to the extent of an occasional “wince” really expresses you inadequacy as a human being. Obviously, if you are incapable of independent thought and investigation and evaluation -especially of people- you should also leave this post and find someone a lot more interested in real examination and truth, rather than mere acceptance of the word of others. It seems to me that “just following orders” was ruled no longer an excuse at Nuremberg … or maybe -since the inception of the current misadministration- it has come back into acceptance … covers a multitude of sins, doesn’t it ! I mean we no not only accept torture and absence of any judical process, we promote it; we abrogate not only international treaties, we violate our own Constitution at will for “the greater good” ? [whose ?] … whether true or not -and unfortunately to me it fits a pattern evident over the past 8 years, when questioned about a proposed NSA program and told it was unconstitutional, our feckless leader, adhering to the opinions of his resident puppeteer, was reported to have said “So what, it’s only a fucking piece of paper !”
Insofar as the ADL is concerned, it is my experience and understanding that -since at least recently, maybe since 1989- Abraham Foxman as National Director has been far more interested in publicity than in meaningful results … behind the scenes discussions and negotiations are are fine, but when they are merely a band aid on a situation requiring surgery, something is drastically WRONG ! It appears to me that Mikey is doing far more than the vaunted ADL in enforcing and upholding its own mission ” … to stop the defamation of the Jewish people, to secure justice and fair treatment to all citizens alike.”
Ramble, ramble, ramble, tangent, tangent, tangent. You ought to thank people for taking the time to try and make some sense of your incoherent doddering. [sic] my tuchus. If I had to quote you in print, I’d probably slit my wrists. Kudos for somehow communicating breathless hysteria in all of that.
I make no bones that at the time of my interview with Mr. Weinstein, I stood in admiration of his stated goals. His manner of speech spoke to my inner grunt. However, watching that directed against people and organizations who have consistently been there for the Jewish soldier over the years, redefined my opinion. Along with the capacity for reason comes a capacity for changes of mind. If that makes me a hypocrite, so be it.
Some of us are just of the belief that this was an isolated incident, the exception that proves the rule. You want to look at it from a broader, perhaps more paranoid perspective. Have you asked yourself if it is helpful to [go off your meds] view it that way?