Family Of Israeli Christian Soldier Who Was Killed In Gaza Asked to Remove Cross On Gravestone

Family of Christian IDF soldier killed in Gaza asked to remove headstone on tomb. Deceased Staff Sgt. David Bogdanovskyi's headstone engraved with the Holy Cross. Cross on the headstone violates IDF rabbi regulations that govern military cemetery. IDF Chief Rabbi claims Cross harms the sanctity of the Jewish cemetery.

"By law, it is not permissible to place a Cross, especially in Haifa military cemetery. The Defense Ministry is working and will work sensitively with all sides, and we hope that we can reach an agreement and solution as soon as possible," Chief Rabbi said.

Family given an ultimatum: remove the headstone or rebury body outside Haifa. Bogdanovsky's grave covered with black cloth in the meantime.

“I don’t have words to describe the humiliation I felt. David loved Israel from the bottom of his heart. The cross engraved on his headstone was an integral part of his personal identity and the faith in which he was raised.” Yula Bogdanovsky's Mother sai

Soldiers mother claims they have been singled out, 'other graves have religious marks' Bogdanovskyi moved to Israel from Ukraine, served in IDF engineering corps