First, I’m a 25 year-Navy, recently retired Jew. Never had any problems with my religion in the service, other than an occasional bigot, but you find them everywhere. I don’t see any problem here.
Second, I’ve met Mr. Weinstein and he has a valid point. There were chaplains at the Air Force Academy and at some other locations that just “didn’t get it!” A chaplain’s role is to minister to ALL troops of all faiths irregardless of what the chaplain’s personal religion or denomination is. NOT to try and convert troops to THEIR beliefs. Again, my personal experience is that I have had Catholic and Protestant chaplains help me observe MY religion in the far flung corners of the globe.
I have proudly served my country and raised my children to honor G-d as observant Jews, just as Mr. Weinstein has, and I would be madder than hell if some misguided chaplain decided to try to convert them to another faith instead of providing them the comfort and support that they are supposed to. Any good chaplain understands this. If they feel that they absolutely have to convert the “non-believers” to their faith or denomination they don’t belong in the military. There are enough good men (and women) of G-d who DO get it.
Thank you for your service.
How exactly would presenting The Gospel be so offensive and coercive that it could force your child to convert? Your over sensitivity is a great example of the problem. In order to avoid offending your "sensibilities" nobody who might have a different opinion should be allowed to speak?
I thought the article was very clear that this "outrage" over suggested prayers had nothing to do with any type of conflict between Jews and Christians, but I guess it really is a one way street.